An apparatus for sealing a pipe

ABSTRACT

A sealing device for sealing a free end of a generally tubular object, the sealing device comprising: a main body comprising either a sleeve which may, when the sealing device is engaged with the free end of a generally tubular object, surround the free end of the generally tubular object, or a protrusion which may, when the sealing device is engaged with the free end of the generally tubular object, be inserted into the interior of the free end of the generally tubular object; a grip arrangement which is connected to or supported by the main body, and positioned to lie against or adjacent a surface of the generally tubular object when the sealing device is engaged with the free end of the generally tubular object, wherein the grip arrangement is radially moveable with respect to a central axis of the main body; and a grip drive arrangement operable to drive the grip arrangement radially with respect to the central axis of the main body, towards the surface of the generally tubular object.

When a wellbore is drilled, for instance in the course of oil-fieldexploration, a casing is generally installed in the wellbore. The casingcomprises a lining, which will generally be circular in cross-section,formed from a robust material such as steel.

If a wellbore has been abandoned, a section of casing may protrudeupwardly from the ground, or from the sea bed, depending on the type ofwellbore.

It is generally desirable to seal the open end of such a casing. Knowndevices for this purpose are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,845,815 and8,813,853.

Prior art systems generally rely on attaching at least one feature ofthe device to the well-head profile of the casing, i.e. the shape of thevery top end of the casing. However, the end of the casing may befractured or otherwise damaged, or for various reasons it may benecessary to seal a casing at an open end which does not have anyparticular profile.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improvedapparatus for sealing the open end of a casing.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention comprises a sealingdevice for sealing a free end of a generally tubular object, the sealingdevice comprising: a main body comprising either a sleeve which may,when the sealing device is engaged with the free end of a generallytubular object, surround the free end of the generally tubular object,or a protrusion which may, when the sealing device is engaged with thefree end of the generally tubular object, be inserted into the interiorof the free end of the generally tubular object; a grip arrangementwhich is connected to or supported by the main body, and positioned tolie against or adjacent a surface of the generally tubular object whenthe sealing device is engaged with the free end of the generally tubularobject, wherein the grip arrangement is radially moveable with respectto a central axis of the main body; and a grip drive arrangementoperable to drive the grip arrangement radially with respect to thecentral axis of the main body, towards the surface of the generallytubular object.

Advantageously, the sealing device further comprises a seal elementwhich is connected to, or supported by, the main body, and which isadapted to form a fluid-tight or substantially fluid-tight seal betweenthe main body and a surface of the generally tubular object.

Preferably, in a first configuration, the seal element is relativelyuncompressed and lies at a first radial distance from the central axisof the device, and in a second configuration is relatively compressed,and extends further radially inwardly towards, or further radiallyoutwardly from, the central axis of the device.

Conveniently, the sealing device further comprises a seal compressionarrangement which is operable to apply a compressive force on the sealelement, to move the seal element from the first configuration to thesecond configuration thereof.

Advantageously, one or more anti-extrusion rings are positioned adjacentthe seal element.

Preferably, the seal compression arrangement is also the grip drivearrangement.

Conveniently, the seal element is substantially conical, being taperedbetween a first edge, which is connected to a part of the sealingdevice, and a second edge, which extends radially inwardly or outwardlyfrom the part of the sealing device.

Advantageously, the main body comprises a protrusion which may beinserted into the interior of the free end of the generally tubularobject, and wherein the seal element is provided on the protrusion, andmay press against the inner wall of the generally tubular object.

Preferably, the main body comprises a sleeve which may surround the freeend of the generally tubular object, and wherein the seal element isprovided on the sleeve, and may press against the outer wall of thegenerally tubular object.

Conveniently, the sealing device further comprises a tapered deflectionsurface which is positioned to interact with the grip arrangement,wherein the grip arrangement and the deflection surface are axiallymoveable relative to each other.

Advantageously, the grip drive arrangement is operable to drive the griparrangement and the deflection surface axially with respect to oneanother, such that the grip arrangement is radially deflected by thedeflection surface with respect to the central axis of the main body.

Preferably, the deflection surface comprises a conical or substantiallyconical surface which forms part of, or is supported by, the main body.

Conveniently, the deflection surface comprises a plurality of separate,spaced apart deflection surfaces.

Advantageously, the grip arrangement comprises a plurality of separategrip elements, each of which is mounted for movement with respect to arespective one of the deflection surfaces.

Preferably, the deflection surface comprises two or more turns of ahelical or substantially helical track, and wherein the grip arrangementcomprises a corresponding helical surface against which the track maybear.

Conveniently, the main body is formed in two parts which are axiallymovable with respect to one another, and the grip drive arrangement isoperable to drive axial movement between the two parts of the main body.

Advantageously, the grip drive arrangement comprises one or more bolts,studs or screws which connect the two parts of the main body.

Preferably, the grip drive arrangement comprises a rotatable driveelement, which may be rotated with respect to the central axis of themain body, the rotatable drive element having one or more axiallyinclined faces which may drive axial motion of the grip arrangement asthe rotatable drive element is rotated.

Conveniently, the grip drive arrangement comprises one or more driveelements that may be driven to move in a radial direction, or adirection having a radial component, with respect to the central axis ofthe device, each drive element being positioned to interact with thegrip arrangement to push against the grip arrangement during radialmotion of the drive element.

Advantageously, each drive element comprises a screw that may beadvanced or retracted with respect to the grip arrangement.

Preferably, the sealing device is engaged with the free end of thegenerally tubular object, if a force is exerted on the main body toremove the main body from the free end of the generally tubular object,the force will tend to move the deflection surface with respect to thegrip arrangement so that the grip arrangement is moved further radiallyinwardly towards the central axis of the main body, if the griparrangement is positioned to lie against or adjacent the outer surfaceof the generally tubular object, or further radially outwardly away fromthe central axis of the main body, if the grip arrangement is positionedto lie against or adjacent the inner surface of the generally tubularobject.

Conveniently, the sealing device comprises two deflection surfaces thatare tapered in opposite directions, and wherein both of the deflectionsurfaces are operable to interact with the grip arrangement to drive thegrip arrangement radially inwardly with respect to the central axis ofthe device, if the grip arrangement is positioned to lie against oradjacent the outer surface of the generally tubular object, or radiallyoutwardly away from the central axis of the main body, if the griparrangement is positioned to lie against or adjacent the inner surfaceof the generally tubular object.

Advantageously, the two deflection surfaces are positioned axially oneither side of the grip arrangement.

Preferably, the sealing device further comprises a holding arrangementwhich is operable selectively to prevent axial movement of the griparrangement.

Conveniently, the holding arrangement comprises one or more elementswhich are operable to engage with the grip arrangement once the griparrangement is in a desired axial location.

Advantageously, the sealing device further comprises an adjustable axiallimiting arrangement, operable to prevent axial movement of the griparrangement or of the deflection surface beyond an adjustable limit.

Preferably, the axial limiting arrangement comprises one or more screwswhich may be advanced or retracted with respect to the main body, andwhich the grip arrangement or of the deflection surface will contact ata point in the axial movement thereof, thus preventing further axialmovement thereof.

Conveniently, the grip drive arrangement comprises one or more elementswhich may move in a radial or substantially radial direction, withrespect to the central axis of the main body, to drive the griparrangement towards the surface of the generally tubular element.

Advantageously, the grip drive arrangement comprises a rotatable driveelement, which may be rotated with respect to the central axis of themain body, the rotatable drive element having one or more radiallyinclined faces which may drive radial motion of the grip arrangement asthe rotatable drive element is rotated.

Preferably, the grip drive arrangement comprises one or more actuators.

Conveniently, the one or more actuators are hydraulic actuators.

Advantageously, the one or more actuators are arranged to exert a forceon the grip arrangement in a direction that is axial or substantiallyaxial with respect to the main body.

Preferably, the one or more actuators are arranged to exert a force onthe grip arrangement in a direction that is radial or substantiallyradial with respect to the central axis of the main body.

Conveniently, the sealing device further comprises a retainingarrangement that is operable selectively to hold the grip arrangement ata certain radial distance from the central axis of the main body, andprevent the grip arrangement from moving radially closer to the centralaxis of the main body than the certain distance, if the grip arrangementis positioned to lie against or adjacent the outer surface of thegenerally tubular object, or to prevent the grip arrangement from movingradially further from the central axis of the main body, if the griparrangement is positioned to lie against or adjacent the inner surfaceof the generally tubular object.

Advantageously, the retaining arrangement comprises one or more screwswhich may be engaged with the grip arrangement, and which may be held inplace with respect to the main body.

Preferably, the sealing device comprises two axially spaced-apart griparrangements.

Conveniently, the two grip arrangements are arranged to lie against oradjacent respective surfaces of two coaxially arranged generally tubularobjects, one of which has a greater diameter than the other, andcomprising respective grip drive arrangements operable independently todrive the grip arrangements radially with respect to the central axis ofthe main body, towards the surfaces of the generally tubular objects.

Advantageously, the grip arrangement comprises at least one grip surfacehaving a curvature which matches or substantially matches the curvatureof the generally tubular object.

Preferably, the at least one grip surface extends both axially andcircumferentially.

Conveniently, the at least one grip surface extends both axially andcircumferentially for a distance of at least 3 cm, and more preferablyfor a distance of at least 10 cm.

Advantageously, the main body has an aperture formed therethrough, toallow fluid or a tool or work string to pass through the main body fromone end thereof to the other.

Preferably, the main body has a connection arrangement to allow afurther component to be connected to the main body, so that the furthercomponent has access to the aperture.

Conveniently, the connection arrangement comprises a series ofconnection apertures or protrusions and/or a sealing arrangement formedon or through a surface of the main body.

Advantageously, the main body has a first end which is closed orsubstantially closed, and does not allow the passage of fluidtherethrough.

Preferably, the main body has a pressure gauge or valve arrangementextending therethrough, to allow pressure within the to be monitoredfrom outside the device, or to allow fluid to be pumped into or removedfrom the interior of the generally tubular object, and preferablywherein who pressure gauges or valve arrangements extend through themain body.

Conveniently, the device comprises a cover to fit over the free end ofthe generally tubular object and to seal entirely or substantiallyentirely the free end of the generally tubular object.

Advantageously, the main body comprises a protrusion which may beinserted into the interior of the free end of the generally tubularobject, and wherein the cover comprises a flange that protrudes radiallyoutwardly beyond the protrusion.

Preferably, the main body comprises a sleeve which may surround the freeend of the generally tubular object, and wherein the sleeve protrudesfrom the cover so the sleeve and cover take the form of a cap.

Conveniently, the main body comprises a protrusion which may be insertedinto the interior of the free end of the generally tubular object, andwherein the grip arrangement is positioned on or around the exterior ofthe protrusion.

Advantageously, the main body comprises a sleeve which may surround thefree end of the generally tubular object, and wherein the griparrangement is positioned on or around the interior of the sleeve.

Preferably, the sealing device is for use with a hollow outer casingwith an inner casing positioned within the outer casing, wherein theouter casing is the generally tubular object, and wherein the sealingdevice further comprises a flow diverter to prevent fluid within thesealing device from entering the inner casing.

Conveniently, the flow diverter blocks the entrance of the inner casing,and is biased against the interior of the main body.

Advantageously, the sealing device comprises both a sleeve which maysurround the free end of the generally tubular object, and a which maybe inserted into the interior of the free end of the generally tubularobject, wherein the sleeve and the protrusion are spaced apart from eachother.

Preferably, at least one motion of the grip drive arrangement may bereversed, to allow the grip arrangement to move radially away from thesurface of the generally tubular object.

Conveniently, the sealing device further comprises a stop member,arranged so that, when the sealing device is engaged with the free endof the generally tubular object, the stop member arrests relative motionof the generally tubular object with respect to the sleeve or theprotrusion of the sealing device, and when the grip drive arrangement isoperated to drive the grip arrangement radially towards the surface ofthe generally tubular object, the stop member allows further relativemovement of the generally tubular object with respect to the sleeve orthe protrusion of the sealing device.

Advantageously, the stop member is a resilient member, arranged so that,when the sealing device is engaged with a first level of force with thefree end of the generally tubular object, the resilient member arrestsrelative motion of the generally tubular object with respect to thesleeve or the protrusion of the sealing device, and when the grip drivearrangement is operated to drive the grip arrangement radially towardsthe surface of the generally tubular object, the resilient memberdeforms to allow further relative movement of the generally tubularobject with respect to the sleeve or the protrusion of the sealingdevice.

Preferably, the resilient member comprises a spring.

Conveniently, the stop member comprises a member with an adjustableheight, which may be set to a first height when the sealing device isengaged with the free end of the generally tubular object, and which maythen be set to a second height, to allow further relative movement ofthe generally tubular object with respect to the sleeve or theprotrusion of the sealing device when the grip drive arrangement isoperated to drive the grip arrangement radially towards the surface ofthe generally tubular object.

Advantageously, the first height is greater than the second height.

Preferably, the stop member is hydraulically operated.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of sealing thefree end of a generally tubular object, comprising the steps of:providing a sealing device according to any of the above; engaging thedevice with the free end of the generally tubular object; and activatingthe grip drive arrangement to drive the grip arrangement radially withrespect to the main body, and with respect to the central axis of themain body, towards the surface of the generally tubular object.

Conveniently, the seal compression arrangement is operated to apply acompressive force on the seal element, to move the seal element from thefirst configuration to the second configuration thereof so that the sealelement presses against the outer or inner surface of the generallytubular object, thus forming a seal around the generally tubular object.

Advantageously, the second edge lies against or adjacent the generallytubular object, and wherein pressurised fluid within the generallytubular object on the far side of the seal element from the free end ofthe generally tubular object will tend to drive the second edge intocloser engagement with the generally tubular object.

Preferably, the method further comprises moving the grip drivearrangement in the reverse manner, to allow the grip arrangement to moveradially away from the surface of the generally tubular object, as partof a removal process to remove the sealing device from the free end ofthe generally tubular object.

Conveniently, when the sealing device is fully engaged with the free endof the generally tubular object, the free end of the generally tubularobject contacts a part of the sealing device at a first longitudinalposition, and the method further comprises the step, before activatingthe grip drive arrangement, of engaging the sealing device with the freeend of the generally tubular object so that the free end of thegenerally tubular object is spaced apart from the part of the sealingdevice, in a second longitudinal position which is spaced at a distancefrom the first longitudinal position.

Advantageously, the step of activating the grip drive arrangement iscarried out, the free end of the generally tubular object moves from thesecond longitudinal position, relative to the sealing device, towardsthe first longitudinal position.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of removing asealing device according to the above from the free end of a generallytubular object, comprising the step of moving the grip drive arrangementin the reverse manner, to allow the grip arrangement to move radiallyaway from the surface of the generally tubular object, as part of aremoval process to remove the sealing device from the free end of thegenerally tubular object.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, theembodiments throughout will now be described, by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 show components of a first sealing device embodying thepresent invention, in exploded view;

FIGS. 3 to 6 show the first sealing device when assembled;

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a variation on the first sealing device;

FIG. 9 shows components of a second sealing device embodying the presentinvention, in exploded view;

FIG. 10 shows the second sealing device when assembled;

FIG. 11 shows a close-up view of a slip assembly of the second sealingdevice;

FIG. 12 shows a close-up view of a part of the second sealing device;

FIG. 13 shows an optional feature of the second sealing device;

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a top surface which may be used with any of thesealing devices disclosed herein;

FIG. 16 shows components of a third sealing device embodying the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 shows components of a fourth sealing device embodying thepresent invention;

FIGS. 18 to 20 show use of a flow diverter with a sealing deviceaccording to the above;

FIGS. 21 to 25 show components of further sealing devices embodying thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 26 and 27 shows components of two variations of another sealingdevice embodying the present invention.

With reference firstly to FIGS. 1 and 2, respective exploded views areshown of a first sealing device 1 embodying the present invention.

The first sealing device 1 comprises an upper flange 2, which in theexample shown is generally circular and planar. A retaining cylinder 3protrudes from one side of the upper flange 2, and is co-axial orsubstantially co-axial therewith. The diameter of the retaining cylinder3 is less than that of the upper flange 2, so that the upper flange 2extends outwardly beyond the retaining cylinder 3, presenting an annularsurface 4.

Preferably, the upper flange 2 and retaining cylinder 3 are integrallyformed with one another. In other embodiments, however, these twocomponents may be attached robustly to each other by any suitablemethod, for instance by welding.

The retaining cylinder 3 is hollow, and the end therefore which isfurthest from the upper flange 2 is open.

The first sealing device 1 further comprises a lower flange 5. The lowerflange 5 is once again preferably generally planar and circular, and hasa central aperture 6 formed therethrough.

A guidance protrusion 7 extends outwardly from one side of the lowerflange 5. The guidance protrusion 7 has, in the embodiment shown, acylindrical or substantially cylindrical outer wall 8. The outerdiameter of the guidance protrusion 7 is less than the inner diameter ofthe retaining cylinder 3 that extends from the upper flange 2. Thismeans that the guidance protrusion 7 can fit into the open end of theretaining cylinder protrusion 3, as will be discussed in more detailbelow.

The guidance protrusion 7 is, in the embodiment shown, significantlyshorter than the retaining cylinder 3.

The inner surface of the guidance protrusion 7 has a taperingconfiguration, being widest at its open end furthest from the lowerflange 5, and narrowing towards the point where the guidance protrusion7 meets the main part of the lower flange 5.

In some embodiments, the entire inner wall of the guidance protrusion 7may be inclined with respect to a central axis of the lower flange 5. Inother examples, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a series of spaced-apartinclined protrusions 9 may extend inwardly from the inner surface of theinner wall 10 of the guidance protrusion 7.

In preferred embodiments the central aperture 6 that passes through thelower flange 5 is of the same or substantially the same width as theinterior of the guidance protrusion 7. Preferably, the central aperture6 is relatively wide compared to the overall diameter of the lowerflange 5, and may, for instance, be at least half of the overalldiameter of the lower flange 5, and more preferably at least two-thirdsof the overall diameter of the lower flange 5.

Once again, the guidance protrusion 7 may be formed integrally with thelower flange 5, or robustly attach thereto by welding or any othersuitable means.

On the side of the lower flange 5 from which the guidance protrusion 7extends, an annular surface 11 surrounds the guidance protrusion 7.

Corresponding spaced-apart holes 12, 13 are formed through the annularsurfaces 4, 11 of the upper and lower flanges 2, 5.

Elongate fastening bolts 14 are passed through the holes 12 formed inthe upper flange 2, passing from the side from which the retainingcylinder 3 does not extend and extending alongside the retainingcylinder 3. The upper and lower flanges 2, 5 may be attached together byfitting the guidance protrusion 7 into the open end of the retainingcylinder 3, and passing the free ends 15 of the fastening bolts 14through the holes 13 that are formed in the annular face 11 of the lowerflange 5. Suitable nuts 16 may then be threaded on to the free ends 15of the fastening bolts 14 to hold the upper and lower flanges 2, 5together.

In other embodiments, fastening studs may be used instead of thefastening bolts 14.

The first sealing device 1 further includes a slip ring 17. The slipring 17 is generally cylindrical in configuration, but has a gap 18formed part of the way around its circumference to allow the diameter ofthe slip ring 17 to expand and contract.

The outer wall 19 of the slip ring 17 is tapered, so that the outerdiameter of the slip ring 17 is greater on one side than the other. Inpreferred embodiments the angle of taper is around 5°, although thepresent invention is not limited to this, and any suitable taper anglecan be used.

The inner wall 20 of the slip ring 17 is preferably cylindrical inconfiguration, and is not tapered. The inner wall 20 also has a grippingarrangement formed thereon. In preferred embodiments, the grippingarrangement takes the form of a number of spaced-apart circular ribs orridges formed on the inner wall 20. The peaks of these ribs or ridgesmay be sharp or pointed. The gripping arrangement may include one ormore wicker teeth.

The slip ring 17 is of suitable dimensions so that, in its fully“relaxed” state (i.e. with no significant external forces acting on theslip ring 17), the narrower end of the slip ring 17 may fit into theopen end of the guidance protrusion 7.

If the slip ring 17 is pushed further into the guidance protrusion 7,the tapered outer wall 19 of the slip ring 17 engages with the taperedinner configuration of the guidance protrusion 7, and the slip ring 17is radially compressed. The result of this will be that the gap 18 inthe slip ring is narrowed, so the overall diameter of the slip ring 17decreases.

The first sealing device 1 further includes a sealing ring 21. Thesealing ring 21 is, in the example, generally cylindrical inconfiguration, and has a diameter which is similar to, or the same as,the diameter of the slip ring 17 when in its relaxed state. In otherembodiments, the sealing ring 21 may have a different shape, and may forinstance have a generally circular cross-section, taking the form of anO-ring. In the embodiment shown, the sealing ring 21 is of a suitablesize to fit snugly into the open end of the retaining cylinder 3 of theupper flange 2.

The sealing ring 21 is made of a resilient material, such as VITON, HNBRor Aflas, although any other suitable material may be used, for instancemetallic materials. Where the sealing ring is expected to be exposed tovery high pressures, it may be necessary to form the sealing ringprimarily from one material, and to have regions or inserts of hardermaterial included through the cross-section. Alternatively, or inaddition, the sealing ring may comprise two or more axially stackedrings formed from different materials.

The first sealing device 1 further comprises a pair of anti-extrusionrings 22. Each of these anti-extrusion rings 22 is formed from aresilient material such as steel, and has a diameter which is the same,or substantially the same, as the diameter of the sealing ring 21.

The anti-extrusion rings 22 help to control the direction in which theseal element 21 expands, and help to support the seal element 21 when itis compressed (as will be explained more fully below). In the examplesshown in the drawings, the anti-extrusion 22 rings are generallyannular, although it is envisaged that they may wrap around the upperand/or lower ends of the sealing ring 21.

To assemble the first sealing device 1, the slip ring 17 is placedbetween the upper and lower flanges 2, 5, with the narrower end of thetapered configuration of the slip ring 17 pointing towards the lowerflange 5.

The sealing ring 21, with one of the anti-extrusion rings 22 on eitherside thereof, is placed between the slip ring 17 and the upper flange 2.This ordering of components is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The lower flange 5 is then attached to the upper flange 2 using thefastening bolts 14, as described above. It will therefore be understoodthat the sealing ring 21 and the two anti-extrusion rings 22 arecontained within the retaining cylinder 3 of the upper flange 2. Theslip ring 17 will be partly received within the guide protrusion 7 ofthe lower flange 5. However, as explained above, the guide protrusion 7will itself be received within the open end of the retaining cylinderprotrusion 3 of the upper flange 2. The slip ring 17 will thereforeultimately also be fully or substantially wholly contained within theretaining cylinder 3.

This assembled configuration is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In FIG. 3, which is a cut-away view, a load ring 23 can be seen withinthe retaining cylinder 3 of the upper flange 2. The load ring 23 takesthe form of a robust ring which fits inside the retaining cylinder 3.This load ring 23 is inserted into the retaining cylinder 3 before theother components discussed above, and hence lies at or near the closedend of the retaining cylinder 3, adjacent or near to the upper flange 2.Alternatively, the load ring 23 may be formed integrally as part of theinternal wall of the retaining cylinder 3.

One face of the load ring 23 provides a surface on which the othercomponents may land and be firmly seated. It will be understood that oneof the anti-extrusion rings 22 is directly in contact with the load ring23.

As can also be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a series of radially spaced-apartapertures 24 are provided on the bottom flange 5, immediately around thecentral aperture 6 thereof. These apertures are threaded.

A series of jacking screws 25 are threaded into the apertures 24, andthe jacking screws 25 are long enough to pass all the way through thebottom flange 5 and press against an end surface of the slip ring 17.

The jacking screws 25 are of sufficient length that, if the jackingscrews 25 are fully threaded into the apertures 24, the jacking screws25 will push the slip ring 17 away from the bottom flange 5, so that theslip ring 17 is at least partially pushed out of the guide protrusion 7.Alternatively, if the jacking screws 25 are rotated so that theyprotrude through the bottom flange 5 by a lesser amount, the jackingscrews 25 will allow the slip ring 17 to be more fully inserted into theguide protrusion 7.

A skilled reader will understand that, by varying the amount by whichthe jacking screws 25 are threaded into the bottom flange 5, thedistance by which the slip ring 17 may be inserted into the guideprotrusion 7 of the bottom flange 5 may be controlled.

A method using the first sealing device 1 will now be described.

Firstly, the first sealing device 1 is assembled as discussed above. Thenuts 16 that are threaded on to the free ends 15 of the fastening bolts14 are threaded on to the fastening bolts 14 only relatively loosely.The jacking screws 25 are preferably fully threaded into the apertures24 in the lower flange 5.

The first sealing device 1 is then placed over the free end of a casing,so that the free end passes through the central aperture 6 of the bottomflange 5, and into the interior of the retaining cylinder 3.

The dimensions of the slip ring 17 are preferably such that, when theslip ring 17 is in its relaxed state, its internal diameter isapproximately the same as, or slightly smaller than, the externaldiameter of the casing. There will therefore be a degree of friction toovercome, between the slip ring 17 and the exterior of the casing, asthe first sealing device 1 is placed over the free end of the casing,and the casing passes through the slip ring 17.

At this stage, it is preferred that the casing is not inserted all theway into the interior of the retaining cylinder 3. A gap should be left,in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the casing, between thefree end of the casing and the interior of the retaining cylinder 3 (inthis case, the interior surface of the upper flange 2). What isimportant is that the casing is left with room to move, relative to theretaining cylinder 3, in the direction towards the closed end of theretaining cylinder 3. As discussed above, a load ring 23 is placedwithin the retaining cylinder 3. In some embodiments the load ring 23may be wide enough that the free end of the casing will land on the loadring 23 if the casing is pushed all the way into the retaining cylinder3. In this case, the casing should be inserted into the retainingcylinder 3 so that a gap is left between the free end of the casing andthe load ring 23. Overall, the casing should be inserted in such a waythat there is a gap between the free end of the casing and whicheverfeature or obstruction the free end of the casing would meet if fullyinserted into the retaining cylinder 3. The reason for this will bediscussed in more detail below.

The nuts 16 are then tightened on to the fastening bolts 14. This willcause the components held between the upper and lower flanges 2, 5 to beplaced under compression, and in particular the sealing ring 21, whichis formed of a resilient material, is compressed. As the sealing ring 21is compressed, it will bulge inwardly towards the exterior of thecasing, thus forming a firm seal around the exterior of the casing. Thisseal will be very useful if pressurised fluid enters the interior of thedevice 1, as the fluid will be maintained within the device 1 by theseal formed by the sealing ring 21.

The jacking screws 25 are then released, i.e. un-threaded, so that theyprotrude by a lesser amount into the lower flange 5. This will allow thesealing ring 21 to expand, thus pushing the slip ring 17 further intothe guide protrusion 7. The skilled reader will understand that, as thisoccurs, the tapering surfaces of the slip ring 17 and guide protrusion 7will interact to cause the slip ring 17 to contract.

Preferably, the procedure of tightening the nut 16 on the fasteningbolts 14, and loosening the jacking screws 25, is repeated. At eachstage, this will allow the sealing ring 21 to be placed undercompression (as the fastening bolts 14 are tightened), and subsequentlyexpand and drive the slip ring 17 further into the guide aperture 7 (asthe jacking screws are released).

After repeating this procedure one or more times, the jacking screws 25are fully withdrawn (in that they do not or substantially do notprotrude from the inner surface of the lower flange 5). The slip ring 17has been driven into the guide aperture 7 so that its diameter hasreduced, through the gap 18 in the slip ring having closed partly. Thissituation is shown in FIG. 5. It can be seen in FIG. 5 that, compared tothe situation in FIG. 3, the slip ring 17 has been driven furtherinwardly with respect to the guide protrusion 7.

It will be understood that, as the slip ring 17 reduces in diameter, thegrip arrangement formed on its inner surface 20 will grip more firmlyagainst the outer surface of the casing. In preferred embodiments, asdiscussed, the grip arrangement is formed from a series of spaced-apartridges or ribs, and it is envisaged that these will bite into the outersurface of the casing, thus gripping the casing very firmly.

It will also be understood that the co-operating tapered surfaces of theslip ring 17 and guide protrusion 7 allow the diameter of the slip ring17 to be reduced in successive stages using the fastening bolts 14 andjacking screws 25, in such a way that very large inwardly-directedforces can be exerted by the slip ring 17.

The compression of the resilient sealing ring 21 also allows a firm andreliable seal to be formed, sealing the internal space within theretaining cylinder 3. In the discussion above, the compression of thesealing ring 21 is used to drive the slip ring 17 into the guideprotrusion 7. However, it should be understood that this is notessential, and the relative motion of the slip ring 17 and guideprotrusion 7 may be driven by the tightening of the fastening bolts 14,without the sealing ring 21 being involved in this motion.

As the skilled reader will understand, during this process, the slipring 17 and the upper flange 2 will move closer together. Since thecasing is gripped by the slip ring 17, the result will be that thecasing and the upper flange 2 will move closer together.

As discussed above, the casing is preferably initially installed so thata gap is left, allowing the free end of the casing to move towards theclosed end of the retaining cylinder 3. It will now be apparent why thisis desirable. If the casing is initially fully inserted into theretaining cylinder 3, e.g. so that the free end of the casing is restingagainst the inner surface of the upper flange 2, then it is likely to beimpossible to activate the slip ring 17 in the manner described above.The fact that the casing is resting against the inner surface of theupper flange 2 will prevent the necessary movement of the slip ring 17and the upper flange 2 towards each other. As an alternative, the slipring 17 and the upper flange 2 may move towards each other, with theresult that the casing is distorted or damaged in the process.

The size of the gap that should be left will depend on the specificconfiguration of the sealing device 1, and the materials used. As willbe understood from the discussion above, the minimum axial gap needs tobe at least the same as the seal compression/expansion process requires,and this will be determined by the volume of material available toexpand where there is sufficient height or annular length of the sealfor this purpose. During use of the device, the sealing ring iscompressed and expands outwardly. While the total volume of material ofthe sealing ring does not change, the axial length of the sealing ringwill reduce. The radial gap between the (uncompressed) sealing ring andthe interior of the retaining cylinder 3 will dictate the extent towhich the sealing ring may be compressed, and thus the extent to whichthe axial length of the sealing ring may change. In any event, however,the gap between the free end of the casing and the closed inner end ofthe retaining cylinder 3 should be sufficient to allow the fullcompression of the retaining ring to take place, without there being anycontact between the free end of the casing and the inner end of theretaining cylinder.

However, it is expected that the gap will need to be at least around 2cm (0.75 inches). In other applications the gap may be larger or smallerthan this. However, it is expected that the gap will have a minimum sizeof around 1 cm (0.4 inches).

In other embodiments, the change in axial length of the retaining ringmay be calculated, and the gap may be set to be at least this change inaxial length plus a set additional distance. The set additional distancemay be, for example, at least around 2 cm (0.75 inches), or may be atleast around 1 cm (0.4 inches).

Various techniques are possible for ensuring that an appropriate gap isleft when the casing is initially inserted into the retaining cylinder.One approach is to place a cup-like insert into the free end of thecasing, where an outwardly-protruding lip of the cup rests on the rim ofthe free end of the casing. The body of the insert lies within thecasing, with the open end of the cup facing towards the closed end ofthe retaining cylinder 3 (i.e. towards the inner surface of the upperflange). A compression spring is then placed within the cup, with thespring having a length which is longer than that of the cup, so that thespring protrudes outwardly from the mouth of the cup, beyond the freeend of the casing.

With reference to FIG. 19, a similar arrangement is shown, with a cup107 being placed into the free end of an inner casing 105, and a spring109 being placed within the cup 107. However, in this example there is asingle casing (rather than an inner casing and an outer casing), withthe cup being placed in the free end of this casing.

The spring is of sufficient length, and with a sufficiently high springconstant (i.e. sufficiently low modulus of elasticity), that uponinsertion of the casing into the retaining cylinder 3, the spring willpress against the inner surface of the upper flange 2 (or anothercomponent, as appropriate) and ensure that a suitable gap remainsbetween the free end of the casing and the inner surface of the upperflange 2.

During activation of the slip ring 17, the spring will be furthercompressed to allow the casing and the upper flange 2 to move towardsone another. In general, during initial insertion of the casing, a firstlevel of force may be expected to be exerted to insert the casing intothe retaining cylinder 3, and this first level of force may, forexample, correspond generally to the weight of the sealing device as itis lowered onto the casing. During activation of the slip ring 17, thecasing and the retaining cylinder will be driven towards each other witha higher level of force, sufficient to cause further compression of thespring.

Instead of using the cup and spring, as described above, a compressiblering or annulus, or one or more other suitable compressible elements,may be provided as a landing surface for the free end of the casing.Once the free end of the casing has landed on the compressibleelement(s), the element(s) may be compressed to form a suitable gap toallow for movement of the casing relative to the retaining cylinder 3.The element(s) may, for example, be hydraulic, and be in communicationwith a source of pressurised fluid, preferably an independent source ofpressurised fluid, for instance via the annulus. The pressurised fluidcould be delivered through a valve or other regulator to a suitableconnection on a side surface of the device 1, and the skilled readerwill readily understand how this may be achieved. The element(s) couldbe activated, for example, by expanding a circular jacking ring, or byfluid pressure inflation. In preferred embodiments, the element(s) canbe activated independently of the activation of the slip ring 17.

As an alternative, the casing can be inserted into the sealing device 1in such a way that a gap is left, without any physical feature being inplace for this purpose. For instance, the allowable distance which thecasing can be inserted into the sealing device 1 can be measured, andmarkings can be made on the exterior of the casing at this distance fromthe free end of the casing (preferably plus an allowance or margin forerror). The insertion process can then be visually monitored (ormonitored by way of a suitable machine/computer), using the markings, tomake sure that the casing is not inserted too far into the sealingdevice 1.

More simply, the casing may be fully inserted into the sealing device 1,and then removed by a suitable distance before the slip ring 17 isactivated. The sealing device 1 may, for example, be suspended fromabove by one or more support cables, and following initial fullinsertion of the casing into the sealing device 1, the sealing device 1may be lifted upwardly by a suitable distance prior to activation of theslip ring.

The sequence of installation steps described above may, in certaincircumstances, lead to excessive inwardly-directed forces acting on thecasing. This may cause the casing to become damaged, or even to collapseinwardly.

As an alternative to the sequence of steps discussed above, thefollowing alternative sequence of installation steps may alternativelybe used.

Firstly, the first sealing device 1 is placed over the end of the casing26, without the jacking screws 25 being inserted at all (or at least notbeing present in any way that interferes significantly with movement ofcomponents of the first sealing device 1).

The fastening bolts 14 are then tightened. Initially, this will causethe sealing ring 21 to be compressed, and the slip ring 17 to be drivenonto the tapered surface of the guide protrusion 7. This will cause theslip ring 17 to contract, as discussed above, biting into the externalsurface of the casing 26.

As the fastening bolts are further fastened, a point will be reached atwhich the slip ring 17 is axially locked in place with respect to theguide protrusion 7. This is not because any component axially contactsthe slip ring 17 and prevents further movement, but because it istightly wedged against the guide protrusion 7 such that no further axialmovement will occur. At this point, further tightening of the fasteningbolts 14 will compress the sealing ring 21, and cause the top flange 2to move downwardly with respect to the casing 26.

As this occurs, further tightening of the fastening bolts 14 is halted.The jacking screws 25 are then inserted until they abut the lowersurface of the slip ring 17. The jacking screws 25 then provide abarrier to further downward movement of the slip ring 17 with respect tothe guide protrusion 7. It will be understood that this effectivelymeans that the slip ring 17 cannot contract any further—to do so wouldbe the result of the slip ring 17 being pushed further downwardly withrespect to the guide protrusion 7, and this movement is blocked by thepresence of the jacking screws 25.

Once the jacking screws 25 have been inserted in this manner, furthertightening of the fastening bolts 14 can be carried out to cause furthercompression of the sealing ring 21, thus firmly sealing the sealing ring21 against the exterior of the casing 26, without this risking thegeneration of excessive radial inward forces through the slip ring 17which may cause the casing 26 to collapse.

FIG. 6 shows the first sealing device 1 in position around a casing 26.

In order to remove the first sealing device 1 from the casing, theprocedure above is effectively reversed. Firstly, the fastening bolts 14are loosened, to reduce the compressive forces acting on the sealingring 21. The jacking screws 25 are then tightened, to lift the slip ring17 out of the guide protrusion 7, thus allowing its diameter toincrease. Once this has been done, the fastening bolts 14 are againloosened, and the jacking screws 25 are tightened. This procedure isreleased until the slip ring 17 has increased sufficiently in diameterto allow the first sealing device 1 to be removed from the free end ofthe casing 26.

In addition, it is envisaged that a further set of removal nuts (notshown) may be threaded onto the fastening bolts 41, located between theupper and lower flanges 2, 5. During the course of removing the firstsealing device from the casing 26, these removal nuts may be rotated sothat they press against the upper side of the lower flange 5, thusactively driving the lower flange 5 downwardly away from the upperflange 2. This will have the effect of separating the guide protrusion 7from the slip ring 17, thus allowing the slip ring 17 to expand.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a variation on the first sealing device 1. In theseembodiments, the upper flange 2 has a central aperture 27 formedtherethrough, with a regulator 28 fitted to the aperture 27.

In addition, a pressure gauge 29 protrudes from the top flange 2, andprovides an indication of the pressure within the first sealing device1.

The regulator 28 may be used to inject a fluid, such as cement, into theinterior of the retaining cylinder 3. The skilled reader will appreciatehow this may be achieved. In preferred embodiments, a pressure sensorwill protrude through an aperture in the upper flange 2 into theinterior of the retaining cylinder 3.

The alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 will allowinjectivity tests to determine where the fluid leaks through the casinginto the surrounding formation. Fluid may leak in this way if the cementseal around the casing is incomplete or has been damaged. If it isdetermined that fluid does leak through the casing and into theformation, cement can be introduced into the interior of the casingthrough the regulator 28, so that the cement can be pumped and squeezedinto the formation at the location of the leak, thus reducing orpreventing leakage at this location.

In embodiments of the invention, a retaining arrangement may be providedto hold the slip ring 17 in a relatively open position, to assist inallowing the first sealing device 1 to be installed on, and removedfrom, the casing 26. For instance, one or more radial screws (not shown)may be provided, which are inserted into corresponding radial holes (notshown) formed in the retaining cylinder 3 at appropriate locations. Theslip ring 17 has a series of corresponding threaded apertures in itsouter surface. Prior to installation of the first sealing device 1 on acasing, the radial screws are threaded into the apertures on the slipring 17, and used to hold the slip ring 17 in a relatively openposition, so that the casing can easily pass the slip ring 17. When thefirst sealing device 1 has been fully installed around a casing 26, theradial screws may be removed, allowing the slip ring 17 to contractaround the casing. Similarly, when the first sealing device 17 is to beremoved from a casing, radial screws may be threaded into the apertureson the slip ring and used to expand the slip ring 17, this allowing thecasing to be withdrawn from the first sealing device 1. A similartechnique may be used, where applicable, with any of the otherembodiments discussed herein.

The pressure within the first sealing device 1 may, in use, become veryhigh. This may be due to well bore pressure in the event of a leak, orthrough pressure applied when pumping fluid or cement into the firstsealing device 1. In the event of high pressure of this kind, thepressure may act against the upper end of the upper anti-extrusion ring,and in turn exert a force on the slip ring 17, tending to drive the slipring 17 further into the guide protrusion 7. This would cause the slipring 17 to contract further around the casing 26, and may damage orcollapse the casing.

To assist in counteracting this, once the first sealing device 1 hasbeen fully installed around a casing 26, the jacking screws 25 areadvanced through the corresponding apertures 24 until they touch thelower side of the slip ring 17. The presence of these jacking screws 25will therefore prevent the slip ring 17 from being driven too far intothe guide protrusion 7. Indeed, rather than withdrawing and thenadvancing the jacking screws 25, during installation the jacking screws25 may simply be left touching (or lying close to) the lower side of theslip ring 17, for this purpose.

Depending on the circumstances under which it is used, the inward forcesexerted on the exterior of the casing 26 by the slip ring 17 may besufficient to damage or collapse the casing 26. To avoid this, theoverall contact area with the casing 26 may be increased, so that theforces exerted on the casing 26 are spread over a larger area. Thiscould be achieved by adding one or more further slip rings, and also oneor more further corresponding tapered guide surfaces, which for instancecould be axially spaced apart from one another in the guide protrusion7. The slip rings could be linked together, or arranged to bear againsteach other in use, so that all of the slip rings are contracted bycorresponding tapered guide surfaces as the device is installed around acasing. The skilled reader will understand how this may be achieved.

A further possibility would be to include a helical slip arrangement,which extends around the casing for several turns, and has a grippingarrangement formed on its inner surface. It is envisaged that a suitabletapering helical guide surface would be provided on the inside of theguide protrusion, to cause the helical slip arrangement to contractaround the casing.

Another example would be to use a slip arrangement which resembles abasket grapple, as those skilled in the art will understand. In suchembodiments, a slip element may be provided which has a generallycylindrical inner surface, with a grip arrangement formed thereon toengage with and grip onto the exterior of the casing (comprising ringsor ribs, for example, as discussed above). The outer surface of the slipelement has two or more turns of a helical track formed thereon, withthe face of the track at any point being tapered, so that it is widertowards the top end of the slip element and narrower towards the bottomend of the slip element.

Instead of the substantially symmetrical taper of the guide protrusion 7disclosed above, an alternative guide protrusion may be formed, whichhas an inner surface having two or more turns of a helical track formedtherein, generally matching the exterior configuration of the slipelement. It will be understood that, if the slip element and guideprotrusion are driven axially with respect to each other, the slipelement will be deflected radially inwardly along its length, as theturns of the helical track of the guide protrusion interact with theturns of the helical track of the slip element.

The slip element may have one or more circumferential breaks, to allowthe slip element to expand and contract. In preferred embodiments, eachcircumferential break extends over some, but not all, of the length ofthe slip element. Alternatively, or in addition, one completecircumferential break may be provided along the entire length of theslip element.

A slip element of this kind may be significantly longer (axially) thanthe slip ring 17 discussed above in relation to the first sealing device1. The skilled reader will appreciate that a slip element of this kindwill allow a greater area of contact with the exterior of the casing,thus reducing the pressure at any one point of contact.

As a variation on the slip ring 17 described above, it is envisaged thata plurality of balls, or similar elements, formed from steel or anotherrobust material, may be placed between the lower anti-extrusion ring 22and the guide protrusion 7. As the upper and lower flanges 2, 5 aredrawn together by the fastening bolts 14, the ball bearings will bepushed into the guide protrusion 7, and then driven axially inwardly toengage with, and bite into, the outer surface of the casing 26 by theinclined inner face of the guide protrusion 7. The skilled person willappreciate that any other suitable engagement arrangement may be used,where the engagement arrangement may be driven into the guide protrusion7, and deflected axially inwardly by the inner face of the guideprotrusion 7 to engage the outer surface of the casing 26.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show components of a second sealing device 30 embodyingthe present invention. In FIG. 9 the components are shown in an explodedview, and in FIG. 10 the components are shown in an assembledconfiguration around a casing 31.

The second sealing device 30 comprises a top cylinder 32, withdimensions generally comparable to those of the retaining cylinder 3described above. The top cylinder 32 is not, in this example, however,attached to a top flange. A top end 33 of the top cylinder 32 issubstantially closed, aside from an access aperture 34 provided in thecentre thereof. The bottom end 35 of the top cylinder 33 is open.

Arranged around the circumference of the top cylinder 32 are a number ofslip attachment sites 36. In the example shown, six slip attachmentsides 36 are shown. Each attachment site 36 comprises an aperture 37formed through the sidewall of the top cylinder 32, allowing access tothe interior thereof through the sidewall 38. In the example shown eachaperture 37 is generally rectangular in shape.

Surrounding each aperture 37 is a flattened attachment region 39. Inthis example, a number of attachment holes 40 are provided in theattachment region 39. The attachment holes 40 are preferably threadedand are blind holes, i.e. they do not pass all of the way through thesidewall 38 of the top cylinder 32.

In addition, an elongate guide groove 41 is formed in the sidewall 38 ofthe top cylinder 32, associated with each slip attachment site 36. Eachguide groove 41 is preferably parallel with the central axis of the topcylinder 32, and extends from the lower end 35 of the top cylinder 32 ina direction towards the top end 33 thereof. Each guide groove 41preferably passes through each of the slip attachment sites 36. In theexample shown, each guide groove 41 has a first portion which is locatedbetween the lower end 35 of the top cylinder 2 and the slip attachmentsite 36, and a second portion, aligned with the first portion, whichextends from the slip attachment site 36 partway towards the top end 33of the top cylinder 32.

In the example shown, each guide groove 41 is generally semi-circular incross-section, and is open at the outer wall 38 of the top cylinder 32.In effect, each guide groove 41 forms an elongate trough.

The second sealing device 30 further comprises a bottom body 42. Thebottom body 42 comprises a bottom cylinder 43, which is dimension to fitclosely inside the open bottom end 35 of the top cylinder 32. At itslower end, the bottom cylinder 43 is connected to a lower flange 44,which has an outer diameter which is greater than that at the bottomcylinder 43. The bottom cylinder 43 and lower flange 44 are preferablyintegrally formed, but may be formed separately and connected to oneanother, for instance by welding.

The bottom cylinder 43 has a number of slip apertures 45 formedtherethrough at radially spaced-apart positions. The slip apertures 45are positioned such that, when the bottom cylinder 43 is inserted intothe open lower end 35 of the top cylinder 32, the slip apertures 45formed therein will align with the apertures 37 that form part of therespective slip attachment sites 36 of the top cylinder 32.

The slip apertures 45 of the lower cylinder 43 are longer, in the axialdirection, than the apertures 37 of the slip attachment sites 36 of thetop cylinder 32.

The second sealing device 30 further comprises a number (in thisexample, six) of slip assemblies 46. One slip assembly 46 is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 11. Each slip assembly 46 comprises a supportblock 47, which is generally oblong and in the example shown takes theform of a generally square plinth. The support block 47 has a protrusion48 extending from one its major surfaces. The protrusion 48 is generallyrectangular in its external profile, and is tapered, in that it extendsfrom the support block 47 by a lesser amount at a first end 49 than atan opposite second end 50. The protrusion 48 therefore has a guide face51 which is inclined with respect to the surface 52 of the support block47 from which it protrudes.

The protmsion further has a guide slot 53 formed therein. The guide slot53 is generally T-shaped, and is open on the guide surface 51 of theprotmsion 48. The guide slot 53 passes continually from the first end 49to the second end 50 of the protmsion 48, and is preferably open at bothends.

The slip assembly 46 further comprises a slip element 54, comprising agenerally oblong body having a grip face 55. The grip face 55 isprovided with a grip arrangement, which in this example comprises anarray of spike elements, arranged in a generally rectangular grid. Anyother suitable grip arrangement may be used, however, such as parallelribs or ridges, or an array of button-type protrusions. The features onthe grip face may (in this and other embodiments) be formed fromtungsten carbide, for example. In use, as will be described more fullybelow, the grip surface 55 will come into contact with the outer surfaceof the casing 31. The grip face 55 is, therefore, preferably curved tomatch the external curvature of the casing 31. Preferably, for allembodiments disclosed herein, a grip face which extends for at least 3cm both axially and circumferentially has a curvature which matches theexternal curvature of the casing 31.

The slip element 54 has, on the side furthest from the grip face 55, aT-shaped protmsion 56, which is of a suitable shape and size fit into,and travel along, the guide slot 53 formed in the protmsion 48 of thesupport block 47. The T-shaped protmsion 56 is angled with respect tothe grip face 55, at an angle which matches the angle of taper of theguide surface 51 of the protmsion 48. The skilled reader will thereforeunderstand that as the T-shaped protmsion 56 travels along the guideslot 53, the grip face 55 will remain parallel or substantially parallelwith the surface 52 of the support block 47 from which the protmsion 48extends.

The skilled reader will also understand that, as the T-shaped protmsionof the slip element travels 54 along the guide slot 53, the distance ofthe grip face 55 from the support block 47 will decrease (as the slipelement 54 moves further towards the first end 49 of the protmsion 48)or increase (as the slip element 54 moves towards the second end 50 ofthe protmsion 48).

The support block 47 has a number of attachment holes 57 formedtherethrough, generally at right-angles to the plane of the supportblock 47. In the example shown, four attachment holes 57 are shown, oneat each corner of the support block 47. The attachment holes 57 pass allthe way through the depth of the support block 47.

The attachment holes 57 are preferably threaded.

The slip assembly 46 further comprises attachment bolts 58, which areadapted to pass through the attachment holes 57. The bolts 58 are ofsufficient length to pass through the attachment holes 57 and protrudefrom the far side thereof.

Finally, the support block 47 has a connection aperture 59 formedtherethrough. The connection aperture 59 passes through the supportblock 47, parallel or substantially parallel with the plane thereof. Theconnection aperture 59 is threaded. Preferably, the connection aperture59 extends from a point which is approximately midway along one end 60of the support block 47, passes all the way through the support block47, and protrudes from a point roughly midway along the opposite end 61thereof.

The connection aperture 59 runs generally parallel with the guide slot53.

Returning to FIG. 9, the second sealing device 30 further comprises asealing ring 21 and a pair of anti-extrusion rings 22, which are asdescribed above in relation to the first sealing device 1. The sealingring 21, and the anti-extrusion rings 22, are sized to fit snugly withinthe hollow interior of the top cylinder 32.

The flange 44 that extends from the bottom cylinder 43 has a number ofradially-spaced apart attachment holes 62 formed therethrough. A seriesof elongate fasting bolts 63 are provided, which are adapted to passthrough respective connection apertures 62.

To assemble the second sealing device 30, the sealing ring 21 and thetwo anti-extrusion rings 22 are first inserted into the open end of thetop cylinder 32. As can be seen in FIG. 10, these components may (aswith the first sealing device 1) rest on a load ring 64 which isprovided within the top cylinder 32. The load ring 64 may be formedintegrally as part of the inner wall of the top cylinder 32, or may beprovided as separate component.

The bottom cylinder 43 is then inserted into the top cylinder 32 so thatthe slip apertures 45 of the bottom cylinder 43 align with the apertures37 of the slip attachment sites 36 of the top cylinder 32.

Slip assemblies 46 are then attached to each of the slip attachmentsites 36. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the slip assemblies 46 areorientated so that the slip element 54 faces inwardly, towards thecentre of the hollow interior of the top cylinder 32. The protmsion 48of each slip assembly will pass through both the aperture 37 in the topcylinder 32, and also the appropriate slip aperture 45 of the bottomcylinder 43.

The part of the support block 47 that surrounds the protrusion 48 willland on the attachment region 39 of each slip attachment site 36. Theattachment bolts 58 may then be passed through the apertures 57 formedin the support block 47, and the apertures 40 provided in the attachmentregion 39 of each slip attachment site 36, to attach the support block47 firmly to the top cylinder 32.

As mentioned above, the slip apertures 45 formed in the lower cylinder43 are longer than the apertures 37 that are formed as part of the slipattachment sites 36 of the top cylinder 32. This means that, when theslip assemblies 46 are attached to the top cylinder 32 as discussedabove, the bottom cylinder 43 may move axially by a certain amount withrespect to the top cylinder 32. In preferred embodiments, the axialdistance by which the bottom cylinder 43 may move with respect to thetop cylinder 32 is around 5-10 centimetres, although any other suitablerelative distance for this movement may be possible.

The fastening bolts 63 are then inserted through the connectionapertures 62 formed in the flange 42 attached to the bottom cylinder 43.Each bolt 63 passes along one of the guide grooves 41 formed on theouter surface 38 of the top cylinder 32 and is threaded through theconnection aperture 59 of the corresponding support block 47 of one ofthe slip assemblies 46.

It will therefore be understood that the bottom cylinder 43 is attachedto the top cylinder 32 by way of these fastening bolts 63, which firmlyattach the bottom cylinder 43 to the slip assemblies 46, which are inturn are firmly attached to the top cylinder 32. The axial position ofthe bottom cylinder 43 with respect to the top cylinder 32 can becontrolled by tightening or loosening the fastening bolts.

As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the slip assemblies 46 are oriented sothat the first end 49 of the protrusion 48 of each support block 47(i.e. the end at which the protrusion 48 protrudes by a relatively smallamount from the support block 47) is positioned closest to the top,closed end 33 of the top cylinder 32. The second end 50 of theprotrusion 48 (i.e. the end at which the protrusion 48 extends by arelatively large amount from the support block 47) is positionedfurthest from the top end 33 of the top cylinder 32. The skilled readerwill therefore understand that, as each slip element 54 slides along theguide slot 53 of the corresponding protrusion 48 towards to the top end33 of the top cylinder, the slip element 54 will move radially outwardlyaway from the central axis of the top cylinder 32.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the assembled second sealing device30 showing clearly how the fastening bolts 63 pass through the flange 44attached to the bottom cylinder 43, and are threaded through the supportblocks 47 of the slip assemblies 46. This figure also shows how the slipelements 54 protrude inwardly into the hollow interior of the secondsealing device 30.

Use of the second sealing device 30 will now be described.

As mentioned above, the top end 33 of the top cylinder 32 has anaperture 34 formed therethrough. In this embodiment, a regulator (notshown), similar to the regulator shown above in FIGS. 7 and 8, will beattached to the top end 33. In other embodiments, the top end 33 couldbe continuous and have no aperture formed therethrough, thus completelysealing the top end 33 of the top cylinder 32.

The second sealing device 30 is placed over the free end of a casing 31,so that the casing 31 passes into the interior of the device 30, asshown in FIG. 10. At this point, the fasting bolts 63 are fastened onlyrelatively loosely.

As the casing 31 is inserted into the device 30, the slip elements 54will be pushed towards the first ends 49 of the guide slots 53 in therespective protrusions 48, and will thus be at their maximum radialdistance from the central axis of the top cylinder 32. This will allowthe casing 31 to pass readily between the slip elements 54.

In the view shown in FIG. 10, the casing 31 is inserted all the way tothe end of the top cylinder 32. However, as discussed above, in practiceit is expected that, in the first instance, the casing 31 will beinserted to a distance that leaves a space between the free end of thecasing 31 and the end of the top cylinder 32.

The fastening bolts 63 are then tightened, and it will be understoodthat this will draw the top cylinder 32 and the bottom cylinder 43towards one another. One effect of this will be to place the sealingelement 21 under compression, as it will be squeezed between the loadring 64 within the top cylinder 32 and the leading edge of the bottomcylinder 43. Once again, the compression of the sealing element 21 willprovide a firm and reliable seal around the exterior of the casing 31.

At this point in the installation process, it may be necessary to drivethe slip elements 54 downwardly, i.e. away from the top end 33 of thetop cylinder 32. This will cause the slip elements 54 to travel towardsthe second ends 50 of the respective protrusions 48, and hence be driveninwardly towards the central axis of the top cylinder 32. The slipelements will therefore be driven to engage with, and bite into, theouter surface of the casing 31.

In one embodiment, a series of driving screws may be provided, with one(or more) driving screws being provided for each slip element 54. Aschematic view of this is shown in FIG. 13, which shows a close-up viewof parts of one slip arrangement 46, as well as part of the wall of thecasing 31. In this embodiment, the slip element 54 has an angled face 65formed on the side that is nearest to the first end 49 of the protrusion48. In preferred embodiments, this angled face 65 is set at an angle ofaround 45° to the plane of the support block 47.

A driving screw 66 is threaded through a threaded bore 67 that is formedthrough the support block 47 and the protrusion 48. The bore 67 isradial or substantially radial, and on its inner side exits the guideface 51 of the protrusion 48 near the angled face 65 of the slip element54. The leading end 68 of the driving screw 66 is generally conical,having an angle which generally matches that of the angled face 65 ofthe slip element 54.

It will be understood that, if the driving screw 66 is advanced into thesupport block 47, the leading end 68 of the driving screw 66 will bearagainst the angled face 65 of the slip element 54, and drive the slipelement 54 downwardly, i.e. towards the second end 50 of the protrusion48. As this occurs, the slip element 54 will be driven further inwardlyinto contact with the casing 31, as a result of the angle of the guideface 51 of the protrusion 48.

As an alternative to, or in addition to, the driving screws 66, eachslip element 54 may be biased (for instance, by a suitable spring)towards the second end 50 of each protrusion 48, i.e. towards its mostradially inward position. As the device 30 in installed over the freeend of the casing 31, the slip elements 54 will be pushed towards thefirst ends 49 of the protrusions 48 by this action, but once the casing31 is within the device 30 the biasing will tend to force the slipelements 54 into engagement with the outer surface of the casing 31.

It is expected that, since the grip faces 55 of the slip elements 54will be pressed against the outer surface of the casing 31, and the griparrangement thereof will begin to “bite” into the outer surface of thecasing 31, the slip elements 54 will remain stationary with respect tothe casing as the fastening bolts 63 are fastened.

Tightening the fastening bolts 63 will therefore have the effect ofdrawing the top cylinder 32 and bottom cylinder 43 towards each other.At this point it is expected that the effect will be to draw the bottomcylinder 43 upwards towards the top cylinder 32.

It will be understood from the above discussion how the second sealingdevice 30 may be installed over the free end of an abandoned casing 31,and the slip elements 54 of the second cylinder device 30 may be driveninto firm engagement with the outer surface of the casing 31, to holdthe second sealing device 30 in place. Moreover, if any of the forcesact on the second cylinder device 30 that would tend to lift the secondsealing device 30 off the free end of the casing 31, the result of thiswill be to force the support blocks 47 towards the free end of thecasing 31, since the support blocks 47 are firmly attached to the topcylinder 32. Since the slip elements 54 will remain stationary withrespect to the casing 31, this will cause the slip elements 54 to travelalong the guide slots 53 of the respective protrusions 48 towards thesecond ends 50 thereof, thus driving the slip elements 54 more firmlyinto engagement with the outer surface of the casing 31, and helping toprevent the second sealing device 30 from being removed from the casing31.

Once again, cement or other fluid may be injected into the interior ofthe casing 31 through the aperture 34 that is formed in the top wall 33of the top cylinder 32, for instance through a regulator as shown above.

In order to remove the second sealing device 30, the fastening bolts 63are loosened, and the top cylinder 32 is pushed downwardly away from theend of the casing 31, which will in turn cause the slip elements 54 tomove radially outwardly away from the central axis of the casing 31.Ultimately, the second sealing device 30 can be removed from the end ofthe casing 31.

It is envisaged that the forces that may act axially inwardly, exertedby the slip elements 54, may be sufficient to damage or collapse thecasing 31. In order to avoid this, in some embodiments two or more“banks” of slip assemblies 46 may be provided. One bank of slipassemblies 46 may be provided closer to the open end 35 of the topcylinder 32, and a second bank will be located further from this openend 35. It will be understood that each bank of slip arrangement 46 willoperate in the same way as the slip arrangements 46 discussed above.However, the overall effect will be that the forces acting on theexterior of the casing 31 can be spread over a larger area, and so therisk of damage to the casing 31 at any point can be reduced.

FIG. 16 shows a third sealing device 74 embodying the present invention.In FIG. 16, only components on one side of the central axis 75 of thethird sealing device 74 are shown.

Many of the components of the third sealing device 74 are common withthe first sealing device 1. The third sealing device 74 comprises topand bottom flanges 2, 5. A retaining cylinder 3 protrudes from the topflange 2, and a guide protrusion 7 extends from the bottom flange 5.

A seal element 21, surrounded by two anti-extrusion rings 22, rests on aload ring 23 within the retaining cylinder 3.

In contrast to the first sealing device 1, however, the third sealingdevice 74 has a slip ring 76 which has an outer profile including upperand lower tapered surfaces 77, 78. These tapered surfaces 77, 78 arearranged so that the slip ring 76 is thickest in a middle region 79, andtapers towards its top and bottom ends 80, 81. Preferably, the slip ring76 has a flattened outer section 82 in its middle region 79, which isgenerally parallel with the inner gripping face 83 thereof.

In common with the slip ring 17 of the first sealing device 1, the slipring 76 of the third sealing device 74 has a break in its circumference,to allow the overall diameter of the slip ring 76 to expand andcontract.

The third sealing device 74 has a series of jacking screws 25, asdescribed above, and also one or more radial screws 84 which may beadvanced through threaded bores 85 in the retaining cylinder 3 to pressagainst the slip ring 76 (preferably, the flattened region 82 thereof),to hold the slip ring 76 in place.

Elongate fastening bolts or studs may extend between correspondingfastening apertures 86 in the top and bottom flanges 2, 5, althoughthese bolts or studs are not shown in FIG. 16 for the purposes ofclarity.

The guide protrusion 7 has a tapering inner guide face 87, and the angleof taper of the guide face 87 generally matches the lower taperingsurface 77 of the slip ring 76.

The third sealing device 75 also includes an upper guide ring 88, whichis positioned between the lower anti-extrusion ring 22 and the uppertapering face 78 of the slip ring 76. The top surface 89 of the upperguide ring 88 is generally flat and parallel with the lower surface ofthe lower anti-extrusion ring 22. The bottom surface 90 of the upperguide ring 88 is tapered at an angle that generally matches the uppertapered surface 78 of the slip ring 76.

The slip ring 76 is set against the casing 26 in generally the samemanner as is explained above in relation to the first sealing device 1.The fastening studs or bolts are tightened, thus drawing the upper andlower flanges 2, 5, towards one another. This has the effect of placingthe seal element 21 under compression, again leading to the formation ofa seal around the exterior of the casing 26. In addition, the taperingsurfaces 87, 90 of the guide protrusion 7 and the upper guide ring 88press against the corresponding tapering surfaces 77, 78 of the slipring 76, thus driving the slip ring 76 axially inwardly. The slip ring76 will contract, thus engaging with and gripping the outer surface ofthe casing 26.

The skilled reader will understand that the slip ring 76 can be drivenaxially inwardly more firmly, since it is forced inwardly from bothabove and below.

As before, the jacking screws 25 may be used during the settingprocedure. Also, as explained above, the radial screws 84 may be driveninwardly to hold the slip ring 76 in position once the third sealingdevice 74 has been fully installed around the casing 26.

Finally, the third sealing device 74 includes a holding screw 91 whichextends through the wall of the retaining cylinder 3 at an angle, and isreceived in a blind threaded bore 92 formed in the slip ring 76 (in theexample shown, this bore 92 us formed in the upper inclined face 78 ofthe slip ring 76). This holding screw 91 can be used to hold the slipring 76 in the “open” position (i.e. relatively expanded, so that itwill not significantly engage with the wall of the casing 26). This maybe used when it is not desired to engage the slip ring 76, for instancewhen the third sealing device 74 is first being installed onto the endof the casing 26.

While the third sealing device 74 described above has a generallycircular slip ring 76 with a break therein, it should be understood thatthis embodiment could equally have a number of individual spaced-apartslip elements. However, it is envisaged that these would be “floating”within the device, and would not be constrained to travel along guideslots, as is the case for the second sealing device 30.

Turning to FIG. 17, components of a fourth sealing device 93 are shown.Once again, only components that lie on one side of the central axis 75are shown, for the purposes of clarity. In common with the first sealingdevice 1, the fourth sealing device has a top flange 2 with a retainingcylinder 3 protruding therefrom. The retaining cylinder preferably has aload ring 23 at its top end, and a sealing ring 21, with anti-extrusionrings 22 on either side thereof, rests on the load ring 23.

The fourth sealing device 93 further comprises a middle cylinder 94,which is attached to the lower end of the retaining cylinder 3, and abottom cylinder 95, which is attached to the lower end of the middlecylinder 94. The inner diameter of the middle cylinder 94 is less thanthat of the retaining cylinder 3 or of the bottom cylinder 95. Themiddle cylinder 94 therefore protrudes into the interior of the device93, and presents upward- and downward-facing shoulders 96, 97.

A hydraulic seal drive 98 is provided within the retaining cylinder 3.The hydraulic seal drive 98 is preferably generally ring-shaped, andlies on, or above, the upward-facing shoulder 96 presented by the middlering 94. A first supply 99 of hydraulic fluid passes through the wall ofthe retaining cylinder 3, to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulicseal drive 98. When pressurised hydraulic fluid is provided to thehydraulic seal drive 98, one or more actuators 100 protrude upwardlyfrom its upper surface. A single ring-shaped or part ring-shapedactuator 100 may be provided (as shown in FIG. 17), or alternatively anumber of separate spaced-apart actuators may be provided.

When the actuator 100 is activated in this way, the seal element 21 isplaced under compression between the actuator 100 and the load ring 23.The seal element 21 therefore forms a firm and reliable seal against theexterior of a casing (not shown) received within the device 93.

Similarly, a hydraulic slip drive 101 is provided within the bottomcylinder 95, and lies on, or below, the downward-facing shoulder 97presented by the middle ring 94. A second supply 102 of hydraulic fluidpasses through the wall of the retaining cylinder 3, to supply hydraulicfluid to the hydraulic slip drive 98. When pressurised hydraulic fluidis provided to the hydraulic seal drive 98, one or more actuators 103protrude downwardly from its lower surface. Again, a single ring-shapedor part ring-shaped actuator 103 may be provided (as shown in FIG. 17),or alternatively a number of separate spaced-apart actuators may beprovided.

The lower end of the bottom cylinder 95 has an inwardly tapered wall104, and a slip ring 17 (which is, in this example, similar to the slipring 17 of the first sealing device 1) is provided within this inwardlytapered wall 104. The slip ring 17 is positioned below the hydraulicslip drive 101.

When the actuator 103 is activated through the introduction ofpressurised hydraulic fluid, the slip ring 17 is driven downwardly bythe actuator 103 against the tapered wall 104 of the lower cylinder,thus causing the slip ring 17 to contract and engage with the outer wallof a casing, as has been described above.

The fourth sealing device 94 has the advantage that it can be at leastpartly operated using hydraulic fluid, rather than through the manualtightening of bolts, screws and the like. This may be advantageous wherefast installation is needed, or where it would be difficult orimpossible to gain the access needed to tighten the screws or bolts.

While two separate hydraulic systems are shown in FIG. 17, it isenvisaged that these could be replaced by a single a single hydraulicsystem. In one such example, the single hydraulic system could have oneor more actuators that extend outwardly both in the upward and downwarddirection, to exert forces on the seal element and the slip ring.Alternatively, one or more actuators could extend from only the top orthe bottom surface of the hydraulic system, and the hydraulic systemcould be positioned to expand axially between the seal element and theslip ring, thus exerting appropriate axial forces on both of thesecomponents.

While the discussion above includes hydraulic actuators, any other kindof suitable actuators could be used, and the invention is not limited tothe use of hydraulic actuators.

In this example, when hydraulic fluid is supplied, the actuators extendto exert forces on the sealing element and slip ring. In alternativeembodiments, the actuators may be biased (for example, by one or moresprings) to exert these forces, and are withdrawn (i.e. these forces areceased or reduced) when hydraulic fluid is supplied. Some of theadvantages of an arrangement of this kind are discussed below.

In the above examples, the slip ring or separate slip elements aredriven into engagement with the exterior of the casing using one or moreinclined planes. The slip ring or separate slip elements is/are drivenaxially, and are deflected inwardly by the inclined plane(s).

In other embodiments, however, the device may be provided with one ormore slip elements that are driven radially or substantially radiallyinwardly to engage with the outer surface of the casing. For instance,hydraulically-driven slip elements may be provided.

In one such example, a series of radially spaced-apart slip elements arepositioned around the device, each one having a separate hydraulicactuator which is configured to drive the slip element radiallyinwardly. A single source of pressurised hydraulic fluid is preferablyarranged to supply fluid to all of the actuators at once. Before theactuators are activated, the slip elements lie at a sufficiently largedistance from the central axis of the device to allow the device to beplaced over the free end of the casing. Once the casing is in place withrespect to the device, the actuators are activated, thus driving theslip elements inwardly to engage with and grip the outer surface of thecasing.

When the device is to be removed, the supply of pressurised fluid to theactuators is ceased, so that the slip elements can be withdrawn radiallyaway from the casing. The slip elements may be spring-biased away fromthe central axis of the device to facilitate this.

As an alternative, the slip elements may be spring biased inwardly,towards the central axis of the device. Preferably, the spring biasingis sufficiently strong that it will maintain sufficient grip between theslip elements and the casing to hold the device in place with respect tothe casing. Hydraulic actuators are provided that, when actuated,withdraw the slip elements radially away from the central axis of thedevice, against the spring biasing. The actuators are therefore onlyused during installation and removal of the device.

One advantage of this alternative is that, once the device has beeninstalled, it will remain in place through the spring biasing, and itwill not be necessary to keep supplying hydraulic fluid to the actuatorsto keep the device in place. Since the device may be left in place fordays, weeks or longer, it may be preferable not to need to keepsupplying hydraulic fluid during this time.

As will be appreciated from the above discussion, there are several waysin which a firm engagement can be made between the device and a casing.The invention is not limited to the techniques shown in the specificexamples. In particular, there are several different types of griparrangements that are used in “fishing tools”, i.e. tools which areadapted to grab and retrieve components which are loose within awellbore. Many of these techniques will be compatible with devicesembodying the invention, and the skilled reader will understand how themmay be adapted for this purpose.

In the above discussion, the seal element is provided above the griparrangement. However, it should be understood that in other embodimentsthe seal element may be provided below the grip arrangement.

Also, in the examples shown above, the sealing device comprises a mainbody which is formed from two or more pieces, e.g. the top cylinder andbottom cylinder of the second sealing device. It is envisaged that, inother embodiments, the sealing device may comprise a main body havingonly one piece, which contains the grip arrangement and seal element. Insuch embodiments, it may be necessary to deform some components to placethem within the one-piece main body, or insert the components in two ormore sections and then assemble them within the one-piece main body.

With reference to FIGS. 18 to 20, a further method of use of a deviceembodying the present invention is shown. This example involves thevariation on the first sealing device 1 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, but anyof the designs of sealing device disclosed herein may also be used.

With reference firstly to FIG. 18, as well as the casing 26 with whichthe first sealing device 1 will engage, an inner casing 105 is presentwithin the first casing 26 (referred to as the outer casing 26 in thisexample). The inner casing 105 is generally coaxial with the outercasing 26, as is standard.

Before the installation begins, it may be necessary to cut one or bothof the outer and inner casings 26, 105 so they each present a flat orsubstantially flat free end.

With reference to FIG. 19, a flow diverter 106 is placed over the freeend of the inner casing 105. The flow diverted 106 takes the form of acup 107 having a closed bottom end and an open top end, with aperipheral flange 108 surrounding the top end. The flow diverter 106 isdimensioned so that the cup 107 thereof can fit into the open end of theinner casing 105, with the flange 108 resting on the free end of theinner casing 105. The diameter of the flange 108 is greater than that ofthe inner casing 105, so the flow diverter 106 cannot fall into theinner casing 105.

A compression spring 109 (or a similar biasing arrangement) is placedinto the cup 107, so that it rests against the closed bottom of the cup107, and also protrudes from the open free end of the cup 107.

The first sealing device 1 is then placed over the free ends of theinner and outer casings 105, 26, so that the spring 109 engages with theinner side of the top flange 2, and is compressed between the bottom ofthe cup 107 and the inner side of the top flange 2. The spring 109 willat least partially bear the weight of the sealing device 1, and ensurethat a gap exists between the free end of the outer casing 26 and theinner end of the top flange 2. It will therefore be understood that theflow diverter 106 is held in place, in the open end of the inner casing105, by the spring 109.

The first sealing device 1 is attached to the outer casing 26, as isdescribed below.

Fluid is then introduced into the interior of the first sealing device1, through the regulator 28, which is fitted into the central aperture27 in the top flange 2. It will be understood that this fluid may flowinto the cup 107, but will then flow out of the cup 107 and around theinner casing 105, into the annular space between the inner and outercasings 105, 26. The flow diverter 106 therefore prevents the fluid fromentering the inner casing 105.

FIG. 21 shows a further example of a sealing device 110 embodying thepresent invention. In common with other examples discussed above, thefurther sealing device 101 comprises a top cylinder 111 which fits overthe free end of a casing 112. The top cylinder is attached to a bottomcylinder 113 which has, on its inner face, a series of spaced-apartinclined surfaces 114. Within the lower cylinder 113 is a slip element115 which has a series of spaced-apart inclined surfaces 116, which aregenerally shaped to match the inclined surfaces 114 provided on theinner surface of lower cylinder 113.

The inner surface of the slip element 115 comprises a series of ribs orridges 117, as discussed above the slip element 115 further has a seriesof generally parallel breaks 118 formed therein, extending over most,but not all, of the length of the slip element 115. As discussed above,these breaks 118 increase the flexibility of the slip element 115 andthe allow the extension/contraction thereof.

On the interior of the upper cylinder 111 a pair of lip seals 119 areprovided. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, a lip sealcomprises a ring of a flexible material such as a rubber material,having a pair of protruding lips. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 21,the lip seals are provided around the exterior of the casing 112, andthe lips protrude inwardly. The size of each lip seal 119 is set tomatch closely to the external diameter of the casing 112, so that thelips lie against the exterior of the casing 112. As the skilled readerwill understand, high pressure from either above or below each lip seal119 will cause one of the lips to seal tightly against the exterior ofthe casing 112. As pressure increases, the strength of the seal betweenthe lip seal 119 and the casing 112 will increase.

While two lip seals 119 are shown in FIG. 21, it is envisaged that, inother embodiments, only one seal 119 may be provided.

A lip seal is only one example of a seal that may be used in embodimentsof the invention. The skilled reader will be aware of many differenttypes of seal that can be employed, and any suitable type of seal may beused in this and other embodiments. In particular, it is envisaged thatmetal to metal seals, and expandable metal seals, may be used withembodiments of the invention.

Accommodated within the top end of the top cylinder 111 is a hydrauliccylinder 120, which is held within a retainer 121. The hydraulic 120 isarranged to press downwardly against the free, top end of the casing 112when it is activated.

In use, the further sealing device 110 is placed over the free end ofthe casing 112 so that free end of the casing 112 passes through theinterior of the device and lies against, or close to, the hydrauliccylinder 120. The hydraulic cylinder is then activated, and extendsdownwardly with respect to the retainer 121. The skilled reader willunderstand the effect of this is to lift the top cylinder 111 and bottomcylinder 113 upwardly with respect to the casing 112. This will causethe inclined surfaces 114 on the interior of the bottom cylinder 113 toengage with the inclined faces 116 of the slip element 115, thusradially compressing the slip element 115 and causing the ribs or ridges118 on its interior to bite into the exterior of the casing 112.

As with previous embodiments, a central aperture 122 is provided in thecentre of the top surface of the top cylinder 111, to allow theconnection of a suitable tool.

In the above embodiments, the slip arrangement and the seal are bothpositioned on the exterior of the casing. However, in other embodiments,one or both of the slip arrangement and the seal may be positioned onthe inside of the casing. Some examples of this are shown below.

With reference firstly to FIG. 22, a sealing device 123 is shown whichhas a top cap end 124, which is generally circular in shape, and has (aswith other embodiments discussed above) a central aperture 125 formedtherethrough.

Projecting downwardly from the top cap end 124 are an inner cylinder 126and an outer cylinder 127, with a space formed therebetween. In theexample shown the inner cylinder 126 is longer than the outer cylinder127.

In use, when the sealing device 123 is placed over the free end of acasing 128, the casing 128 fits into the space between the innercylinder 126 and the outer cylinder 127.

In the example shown in FIG. 22, a grip element 129 is provided withinthe outer cylinder 127. In this embodiment, the slip element 129 issimilar to the slip element 17 of the first seal device 1 shown in FIGS.1 to 6. However, any type of suitable slip element may be used. The slipelement 129 has a tapered outer surface 130, which fits within acorrespondingly tapered section 131 formed on the inner surface of theouter cylinder 127.

A spring 132 is positioned between the inside surface of the top end 124and the slip element 129, which biases the slip element 129 downwardlywith respect to the cap top end 124, and hence into engagement with theouter surface of the casing 128.

Any other suitable method for causing the slip element to engage withthe outer surface of the casing may be used.

A seal element 133 is provided on the outer surface of the innercylinder 126, and positioned to engage with the inner surface of thecasing 128. In the example shown, the seal element 133 is similar to theseal element 21 of the first seal element 1 described above. The sealelement 133 is, in this example, positioned within a recess 134 formedin the outer surface of the inner cylinder 126. Anti-extrusion rings maybe provided on one or both sides of the seal element 134, as discussedabove.

Any suitable method may be used to compress the seal element 133 to forma seal between the inner seal of 126 and the casing 128. For instance,one or more bolts (not shown) may extend downwardly through the top endcap 124 and protrude axially downwardly to engage with a top end of theseal element 134. The bolts may be extended further to compress the sealelement 134 downwardly, thus causing the seal element 134 to bulgeoutwardly and form a seal against the inner surface of the casing 128.

In other examples, a “swelling” seal may be used, which is formed froman elastomer or other suitable material that will swell when exposed tocertain substances such as hydrocarbons. In such embodiments, when thesealing device 123 is first installed over the end of the casing 128 theswelling seal element will not engage firmly against the inner surfaceof the casing 128. However, over a period a time, the seal will swelland expand against the inner surface of the casing 128, thus forming afirm and reliable seal.

A swelling seal may be used with any of the embodiments describedherein, and this is not limited to arrangements where the seal is formedwith the interior of the casing.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22 the lower end 135 of the innercylinder 126 is substantially sealed, with a rupture disc, float valveor similar element being provided in an aperture formed in the lower end135. This is not essential, however.

Turning to FIG. 23 a further sealing device 137 is shown. Once again,the sealing device 137 has a cap top end 124, from which an innercylinder 126 and an outer cylinder 127 protrude. As with the previousembodiment, when the sealing device 137 is placed over the free end of acasing 128, the casing fits into a space between the inner cylinder 126and the outer cylinder 127.

In this case, the seal element 138 is provided on the outer side of thecasing 128, and is positioned on the inner side of the outer cylinder127. Once again, the seal element 138 can be “set” in any suitablemanner.

In this embodiment the slip element 139 is provided within the casing128. In this example the grip element 139 is similar in design to theslip element 76 of the third sealing device 74, shown in FIG. 16. Theslip element 139 has, on its inner side, upper and lower opposinginclined surfaces 140, 141. The lower inclined surface 141 generallymatches a tapered outer surface 142 of the inner cylinder 126.

A guide ring 143 is positioned above the slip element 139, in the spacebetween the inner cylinder 126 and the inner side of the casing 128, andhas an inclined driving surface 144, which is angled to engage with theupper inclined surface 140 of the slip element 139. A spring 145 isprovided between the guide ring 143 and the inner side of the cap topend 124, to bias the guide ring 88 downwardly and into contact with theslip element 139.

It will be understood that, under the action of the spring 145, the slipelement 139 will be driven outwardly through interaction with theinclined faces 144, 142 of the guide ring 143 and the inner cylinder126, and hence driven to expand outwardly and into engagement with theinner side of the casing 128.

It should be understood that, in embodiments where the slip arrangementis provided on the inner side of the casing, any suitable type of sliparrangement may be used, and the invention is not limited to theparticular types of slip arrangements which have been discussed inconnection with embodiments where the slip arrangement is on the insideof the casing.

In yet further embodiments it is envisaged that both the seal elementand the slip arrangement may be provided on the inside of the casing,rather than the outside. The skilled reader will readily understand howthis may be achieved. For instance, however, with reference to theembodiment shown in FIG. 23, the seal element could be provided betweenthe spring 145 and the guide ring 143, with the seal element beingcompressed by the same force provided by the spring which biases theguide ring 143 into contact with the slip element 139. Many otherpotential arrangements are possible, however.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 a continuous passage 146 passesthrough the interior of the inner cylinder 126, to allow the passage offluid through the sealing device 134. Once again, a rupture disc, floatvalve or similar element is provided at the lower end of the passage146.

FIGS. 24 and 25 show examples in which both the grip arrangement and theseal are positioned within the casing. In these examples, in contrast toarrangements shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the seal devices do not havespaced-apart inner and outer cylinders, with the free end of the casingfitting within the space between the cylinders. Instead, these examplesinclude a single inner cylinder (which may, if necessary, be formed intwo or more pieces), and top flange which has a larger diameter thanthat of the inner cylinder. When the seal devices are installed on thefree end of a casing, the inner side of the top flange lies on the freeend of the casing, with the inner cylinder being received within thecasing.

One advantage of arrangements of this kind is that the radial spacewithin a wellbore taken up by the sealing device is minimised. The outerdiameter of the sealing devices can be, as may be seen from FIGS. 24 and25, approximately the same as, or only slightly more than, the outerdiameter of the casing itself.

Turning to FIG. 24, the sealing device 148 has a top flange 149, and aninner cylinder 150. A seal element 151 is provided in a circumferentialrecess 152 formed in the outer surface of the inner cylinder 150. Aseries of compression bolts 153 pass through the top flange 149 and maybe advanced to compress the seal element 151, as discussed above.

Below the seal element 151 and its associated recess 152, there is afurther recessed section 154 of the inner cylinder 150, which has ahelical section, forming (as discussed in connection with otherembodiments) a series of axially spaced apart inclined surfaces 155.These inclined surfaces 155 taper outwardly, i.e. each one is narrowestat its end closest to the top flange 149, and widens in a directionpassing downwardly away from the top flange 149.

A grip element 156 has a sleeve configuration, and is positioned aroundthe further recessed section 154. On its inner side, the grip element156 has a helical configuration, forming a series of spaced-apartinclined surfaces 157, which are formed generally to match the inclinedsurfaces 155 of the further recessed section 154. The outer side 158 ofthe grip element 156 has a grip arrangement, which may take any form,such as a series of ribs or ridges. The grip element 156 may have one ormore breaks (not shown) formed therein to allow expansion andcontraction of the grip element 156.

At the lower end of the inner cylinder 150 a nut 159 is screwed onto acorresponding thread, and a washer 160 is provided above the nut 159.The removable nut 159 facilitates assembly of the components of thesealing device 148.

The sealing device 148 further comprises a load ring 174 or thrustwasher, which is positioned on top of the free end of the casing 161,and which has an annular shape which covers the surface of the free endof the casing 161. A series of drive bolts 175 pass through the topflange 149, near the perimeter thereof, and the ends of the drive bolts175 are aligned with the load ring 174.

Once the sealing device 148 has been placed over the free end of acasing 161, the drive bolts 175 are tightened, which will have theeffect of lifting the sealing device 148 upwardly with respect to thecasing 161, which in turn will move the inclined surfaces 155 of theinner cylinder 150 axially with respect to the grip element 156, causingthe grip element 156 to expand and bite into the inner surface of thecasing 161.

Once this has been done, the compression bolts 153 may be tightened toapply compression to the seal element 151, causing the seal element 151to expand and seal against the inner surface of the casing 161.

Preferably, the helical shape of the grip element 156 is a left-handedhelix. This means that, as part of the removal of the sealing device148, the sealing device may be rotated clockwise, which will cause thegrip element 156 to contract and bite less firmly into the casing 161,as the skilled reader will understand.

With reference to FIG. 25, another sealing device 162 is shown. In thisexample, the seal is positioned below the grip arrangement.

This sealing device 162 again has a top flange 149 and an inner cylinder150 which fits within a casing 161. A grip element 163 has a taperedinner surface 164, which is arranged to interact with a tapered guidesurface 165 formed on the outer surface of the inner cylinder 150. Anouter surface 166 of the grip element 163 has ribs, ridges or the likeformed thereon. A spring 167 is provided between the bottom surface ofthe top flange 149 and the grip element 163. As will be understood fromthe previous examples, the spring 167 will drive the tapered surface 164of the grip element 163 against the guide surface 165, thus causing thegrip element 163 to expand and engage with the inner surface of thecasing 161.

The sealing device 162 includes a cup-shaped seal element 168, whichflares outwardly and downwardly (i.e. in a direction away from the topflange 149). The outer edge 169 thereof lies against or adjacent theinner side of the casing 161. The inner edge 170 of the seal elementfits closely around the outer surface of the inner cylinder 150, and hasupper and lower seals 171, 172 on either side the inner edge 170 toensure that the inner edge 170 fits snugly into a circumferential recessformed in the outer cylinder 150.

Once again a nut 173 is threaded onto the lower end of the innercylinder 150, and this assists in the assembly of the sealing device162.

It will be understood that, if there is high fluid pressure within thewellbore below the sealing device 162, the seal element 168 will pressmore tightly against the inner surface of the casing 161. This willtherefore effectively prevent high-pressure fluid in the wellbore fromrising upwardly past the sealing device 162.

The skilled reader will recognise that the cup-shaped seal element 168resembles a packoff cup assembly. Cup-shaped seals of this kind may alsobe used where the seal is provided on the exterior of the casing, andthe skilled reader will understand how this may be achieved.

As an alternative to the examples discussed above, a rotationalarrangement may be provided to drive the slip arrangement intoengagement with the casing. For instance, if a series of slip elementsare provided around the exterior of the casing (in a similar manner tothe embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 12), a drive ring may be arranged tointeract with the slip elements. The drive ring may have, at spacedintervals around its circumference, radially-tapered drive faces (whichmay, in some examples, take the form of generally triangular notchesformed in the inner side of the drive ring). In an initial position,each slip element may be aligned with a part of each drive face that isrelatively radially far from the central axis of the main body. Thedrive ring may then be driven to rotate, so that each slip elementbecomes aligned with a part of the corresponding drive face that isradially closer to the central axis of the main body. The slip elementsmay therefore be driven radially inwardly through rotation of the drivering.

Similarly, rotation of the drive ring in the other direction will allowthe slip elements to move away from the casing, as part of a removalprocedure.

The skilled reader will understand how the drive ring may be rotated asdesired.

As a further example, a drive ring (or similar rotatable element) mayhave a series of axially tapered drive faces, for instance where thedepth or thickness of the ring varies, or where the ring has one or moreinclined protrusions on its surface. Once again, a series of individualslip elements may be provided, which may (as in the example shown inFIGS. 9 to 12) be axially slidable with respect to an inclined face. Inan initial position, each slip element may be aligned with a first partof a tapered drive face. As the ring is rotated, each slip elementbecomes aligned with a second part of the tapered drive face, and theslip element is driven axially by interaction with the tapered driveface. This could, for example, drive the slip element axially withrespect to an inclined surface which in turn drives the slip elementinto engagement with the casing.

The skilled reader will understand how such embodiments may be arranged,both for examples where the slip element(s) are positioned outside thecasing, and where the slip element(s) are positioned inside the casing.

The examples shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 fit primarily inside the casing,and have a flange that extends radially outwardly from the main body, tolie on top of the free end of the casing. While this is preferred, it isalso envisaged that the entire sealing device may fit into the casing,so that it may be inserted fully into the casing below the free endthereof.

FIG. 26 shows a further sealing device 176, which is adapted to formseparate seals against an inner casing 105 and an outer casing 26, asdiscussed above.

For use of this sealing device 176, it is necessary for the outer casing26 to be cut to a length which is shorter than that of the inner casing105. In other words, the inner casing 105 must protrude upwardly beyondthe level of the outer casing 26.

The sealing device 176 comprises a retaining cylinder 177 which has anupper flange 2, as discussed above.

The retaining cylinder 177 has a first internal diameter in a firstregion 178, which is closest to the upper flange 2. The retainingcylinder 177 has a second, larger internal diameter in a second region179, which is further from the upper flange 2 than the first region 178.The retaining cylinder therefore has a stepped internal profile, andwhere the first and second regions 178, 179 meet, a downward-facingshoulder 180 is formed.

In common with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the sealing device 176includes a lower flange 5 with a generally cylindrical guidanceprotrusion 7 protruding upwardly therefrom, and having a tapered innerwall 10.

Fastening bolts 14 pass between the upper flange 2 and the lower flange5, in a similar manner to that described in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-4.

The sealing device 176 has two separate sealing arrangements, a firstone 181 of which is provided within the first region 178 of theretaining cylinder 177, to seal against the inner casing 105, and asecond one 195 of which is provided within the second region 179 of theretaining cylinder 177, to seal against the outer casing 26.

The first sealing arrangement 181 is similar in some aspects to thatshown in FIG. 23. A housing 182 is provided within the interior of theretaining cylinder 177, in the first region 178 thereof. The housing 182has a lower portion 183 with a tapered inner surface 184. A top ring 185is provided immediately above the housing 182, and a sealing ring 186 isprovided in a recess between the housing 182 and the top ring 185. Thesealing ring 186 is, as has been discussed elsewhere, surrounded on bothsides by anti-extrusion rings 187.

Beneath the sealing ring 186 is a guide ring 188, which has a taperedinternal driving surface 189.

Between the tapered surface 184 of the lower part 183 of the housing 182and the tapered driving surface 189 of the guide ring 188, a gripelement 190 is positioned, with the grip element 190 having loweropposing inclined surfaces 191,192. It will be appreciated that this issimilar to the grip element 139 shown in FIG. 23.

An energising bolt 193 passes through a threaded aperture in the topring 185, and is operable to compress the sealing ring 186, and in turndrive the guide ring 188 downwardly, thus driving the grip element 190inwardly to bite against the outer surface of the inner casing 105.

The components of the first sealing arrangement 181 will be familiarfrom the embodiments described above.

It is anticipated that, in use of the sealing device 176, the first griparrangement 181 will be installed onto the upper end of the inner casing105 before the retaining cylinder 177 is installed. The first griparrangement 181 is placed over the upper end of the inner casing 105.The energising bolt 193 may be activated, for example, through theaction of a hydraulic actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder (not shown)to cause the grip element 190 to grip against the outer surface of theinner casing 105, and the sealing ring 186 will deform to form a firmseal against the outer surface of the inner casing 105.

The retaining cylinder 177 is then placed over the inner and outercasings 105, 26, with a gap 197 being present between the upper end ofthe inner casing 105 and the inner surface of the upper flange 2, aswill be understood from the discussion above. As can be seen from FIG.26, when this is done, a space exists in the first region 178, above thetop free end 194 of the outer casing 26, in which the first griparrangement 181 is positioned. A sealing arrangement is preferablyprovided to form a fluid-tight seal between the housing 182 and theinner wall of the first region 178 of the retaining cylinder 177. In theembodiment shown, the sealing arrangement takes the form of first andsecond O-rings 196. Preferably the top free end 194 of the outer casing26 lies above the level of the downward-facing shoulder 180, which liesat a position where the first and second regions 178, 179 meet eachother. In some embodiments the first grip arrangement 181 may besupported by the top free end 194 of the outer casing 26.

The second sealing arrangement 195 is positioned below thedownward-facing shoulder 180, beside the outer wall of the outer casing26.

The second sealing arrangement 195 is similar to the sealing arrangementincluded in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4. A guide protrusion 7protrudes upwardly from the lower flange 5, and has a tapered inner wall10. A slip ring 17 has a tapered outer wall 19, and an inner wall 20with a gripping arrangement formed thereon. Above the slip ring 17 is asealing ring 21, with anti-extrusion rings 22 on both sides thereof. Theupper anti-extrusion ring 22 is braced, directly or indirectly, againstthe downward-facing shoulder 180. As discussed above, when the fasteningbolts 14 are tightened, the slip ring 17 is driven into the guideprotrusion 7, and contracts through the interaction of the inclinedfaces 10, 19 of the slip ring 17 and guide protrusion 7. As this occursthe inner wall 20 of the slip ring 17 bites into the outer surface ofthe outer casing 26, and the sealing ring 21 is deformed to form a sealagainst the outer casing 26.

It will be understood that the first sealing arrangement 181 may, whenactivated, bite into and grip the outer surface of the inner casing 105.The second sealing arrangement 195 may bite into and grip the outersurface of the outer casing 26. Moreover, the two sealing arrangements181, 195 may be actuated and operated independently of one another.

Embodiments of this kind will be useful where inner and outer casingsare present, and where it is desirable to form independent seals againstboth the inner and outer casings. In particular, embodiments of thiskind can provide isolation between the interior of the inner casing 105,and the annular gap between the inner and outer casings 105, 26.

Referring to FIG. 27, a modified version of the sealing device 176 ofFIG. 26 is shown. The first and second grip arrangements 181, 195 areindicated generally, without their individual components being labelled.The major features of the embodiment shown in FIG. 27 are generallyidentical to those in the embodiment of FIG. 26. One exception is thatthe fastening bolts 14 in FIG. 27 do not extend to the top flange 2, butextend between the bottom flange 5 and an intermediate flange 197, whichprotrudes from the exterior of the retaining cylinder 177 at a pointpart-way along its length. However, the skilled reader will appreciatethat this makes little or no difference to the operation of the sealingdevice 176.

First and second valve arrangements 198,199 are included. The firstvalve arrangement 198 communicates with an aperture formed in the topflange 2 and this is similar to the regulator 28 shown in FIG. 20.

The second valve arrangement 199 communicates with an aperture formed inthe side of the retaining cylinder 177, which is positioned between thefirst and second grip arrangements 181, 195.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, a spacing element 200, which takesthe form of a generally annular sleeve, is positioned between the lowerend of the first grip arrangement 181 and the upper free end of theouter casing 26. The spacing element 26 has a series of slots or otherapertures 201 formed therethrough, to allow communication between theinner and outer surfaces thereof.

In the embodiments shown the spacing element 200 has a generally steppedshape, having a relatively narrow upper part 202 (which is preferablyspaced apart from both the retaining cylinder and the inner casing 105)and a relatively wide lower part 203 (which preferably lies against theinner surface of the outer casing 26. The apertures 201 extend acrossthe step between the upper and lower portions 202, 203.

The aperture formed in the side of the retaining cylinder 177, withwhich the second valve arrangement 199 communicates, is positioned abovethe top free end of outer casing 26. In the embodiment shown, theaperture is aligned with the relatively narrow upper part 202 of thespacing element 200. The skilled reader will appreciate that the secondvalve arrangement 199 is therefore in fluid communication with theannular space 204 between the inner and outer casings 105, 26. Thesecond valve arrangement 199 is therefore able to pump fluid into, orremove fluid from, this annular region 204, and/or monitor the pressureof fluid within this annular region 204.

In embodiments of this type, any suitable type of sealing arrangementsmay be used (for instance, where applicable, any of the types of sealingarrangement disclosed in this document may be used as either the firstor second sealing arrangement), and the embodiment is not limited to theparticular types of sealing arrangement shown in FIG. 26.

It is expected that sealing devices embodying the present invention willconfer significant advantages compared to existing solutions for sealingabandoned or temporarily abandoned casings. These advantages include:

-   -   ease of installation, requiring only a casing end that is        relatively cleanly cut with little or no further preparation;    -   the elimination of all API ring connections in the standard TPA        (temporarily plug and abandon) cap configuration;    -   the elimination of the cost of dry hole tree;    -   ease of access for bull-heading cement or kill fluids;    -   the fact that sealing devices embodying the invention can be        configured with variations in the top plate to accommodate BOPs        (blow out preventers) and drilling spools for re-entry at a        later date;    -   the fact the pressure within the casing can be monitored at all        times with a gauge;    -   the elimination of lease operator expense (LOE) for valve        maintenance and tree inspections;    -   elimination of the need for annual (or, as necessary) pressure        and function tests of a dry hole tree;    -   that sealing devices embodying the invention can be configured        to run in tandem with any hydraulic down hole isolation or other        regionally required additional barriers (such as packers, cups,        retainers and plugs), allowing the isolation of questionable top        side casing integrity;    -   remote monitoring can be carried out using a single transducer        installation using existing operator telemetry systems, or other        third party systems; and    -   the fact that sealing devices embodying the invention can be        installed on conductor or surface pipes and can also isolate        inner casing strings.

Several of the features disclosed above involve separate pieces orelements which do not move with respect to each other, which formedseparately (for instance, the sealing ring and the associatedanti-extrusion rings). It is envisaged that any or all of these featuresmay be formed integrally with each other, rather than being fabricatedas sub-assemblies.

In connection with any of the embodiments described above, the topsurface of the sealing device may include a tool attachment site, whichmay for example include a main aperture surrounded by a seal ring grooveand attachment holes. An example of this is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15,which shows a top surface 69 of a sealing device embodying the presentinvention. This could be the top surface of the top flange 2 of thefirst or third sealing device 1, 74, or of the top cylinder 32 of thesecond sealing device 30. The top surface 69 has fastening holes 70formed therethrough for attachment to other components of the sealingdevice, but (for instance as in the case of the second sealing device30) these need not be present.

The top surface 69 has a central aperture 71 formed through the entiredepth thereof, to allow access to the interior of the sealing device.Surrounding the central aperture 71 is a seal groove 72, which runsaround the central aperture 71 and is circular or substantiallycircular. Surrounding the seal groove 72 is a series of fixing holes 73,which are preferably blind, threaded holes. In other embodiments, thefixing holes 73 may be radially within the seal groove 72, rather thanoutside it. Any other suitable fixing means may be provided as analternative to the array of fixing holes 73.

In use, a tool may be attached to the top surface 69 by means of screws,bolts or studs attached to the fixing holes 73. An engagement surface ofthe tool may have a corresponding seal groove, which lies against theseal groove 72 of the top surface 69 in use. A seal such as an API sealring may be placed in the space formed by the two seal grooves.

A variety of different tools may therefore be firmly and reliablyattached to the top surface 69, with the tools having access to theinterior of the sealing device, for operations that require wellcontrol. An example of such a tool is a blow-out preventer (BOP).

This arrangement could also be used to deploy a packer or bridge plugwithin the well bore. As the skilled reader will appreciate, a packer orbridge plug may be hydraulically activated, so that it is set againstthe casing of the wellbore when supplied with fluid above a thresholdpressure. In embodiments involving a packer or bridge plug, a tubing maybe provided within the sealing device that leads down the wellbore to apacker or bridge plug, with the tubing being in fluid communication withthe central aperture 71 formed in the top surface 69. One or more burstdiscs may be provided within the tubing, above the packer or bridgeplug. To set the packer or bridge plug, pressurised fluid is introducedinto the tubing through the central aperture 71, at sufficient pressureto activate the packer or bridge plug so that it is set within thewellbore. The pressure can then be further increased to rupture theburst disc(s).

Any other type of packer or bridge plug can also be used in conjunctionwith sealing devices embodying the present invention, and the skilledperson will readily appreciate how this may be achieved.

It is also envisaged that tools or other connectors may be attached tothe top surface of a sealing device embodying the invention to allowaccess for further tools to pass through the sealing device to carry outoperations below the level of the sealing device. In some circumstancesit may be necessary to allow work string access to regions below thelevel of the sealing device. Coiled tubing may also be passed throughthe aperture in the sealing device to extend below the level of thesealing device.

It should also be appreciated that any suitable attachment means may beprovided to allow a tool to be attached to the top surface of a sealingdevice embodying the present invention. A great variety of attachmentmethods are currently in use, and any of these methods may be used withthe invention.

Where a ring-shaped element is used to grip the exterior of the casing(for instance in the case of the first or third sealing devices 1, 74described above), it may be preferable to include cut-out sections inthe ring shape to increase the flexibility of the ring. Such cut-outsections may include, for example, one or more generally T-shapedcut-outs, which extend upwardly from the bottom edge of the ring, oralternatively may extend downwardly from the top edge of the ring. Aplurality of such cut-outs may be provided, spaced apart around thecircumference of the ring.

As mentioned above in connection with the embodiment (shown in FIGS. 18to 20) involving a flow diverter, it is common to have inner and outercasings, which may be generally coaxial with each other.

For many operations where inner and outer casings are present, it islikely to be most simple to use a sealing device which fits over theouter surface of the outer casing, and both the slip arrangement and theseal element are arranged to engage with the outer surface of the outercasing (for instance, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 21. This allows the sealingdevice to function reliably without any interference from the innercasing. While the sealing device may be configured to engage with theinner casing, or with both the inner casing and the outer casing (andboth of these possibilities are contemplated within the scope of thepresent invention), it is often not possible to rely on the inner casingbeing substantially coaxial with the outer casing, or on the innercasing being in good condition, particularly where the casing inquestion has been used for some time and is now to be abandoned.

In circumstances where it is unclear whether the casing to be sealedwill have an inner casing or not, the safest option is therefore likelyto be to use an embodiment which fits over the outer surface of theouter casing, and both the slip arrangement and the seal element arearranged to engage with the outer surface of the outer casing. This isalso the case where an inner casing is not present, but the interior ofthe casing may be obstructed by discarded tools or equipment, debris, oranything else.

However, it is also envisaged that a sealing device embodying thepresent invention may engage with both the inner casing and the outercasing. Either the slip arrangement may engage with one of the casings,and the seal element will engage with the other, or indeed respectivethe slip arrangements and/or seal elements may engage with both casings.It is also envisaged that a sealing device embodying the invention mayseal the annular or substantially annular gap between the outer casingand the inner casing, while leaving the inner casing substantiallyunobstructed.

In other examples, in embodiments where the slip arrangement and sealelement both engage the outer surface of the outer casing, there may bea relatively large axial distance (for instance, more than 3 feet (90cm) or more than 6 feet (180 cm) between the slip arrangement and sealelement and the closed top end of the sealing device. This may then beused where the inner casing protrudes by some distance out of the freeend of the outer casing. The slip arrangement and seal device may thenengage the outer surface of the outer casing, with the protruding lengthof inner casing being accommodated within the main body of the sealingdevice.

It is envisaged that this might be the case where, for example, theouter casing is deliberately cut to a shorter length than the innercasing. This would leave a protruding length of inner casing on whichany necessary operations could be carried out, e.g. sealing the innercasing entirely. The sealing device could then be placed over the innerand outer casings to grip and seal against the outer casing.

Although several embodiments are described above, it is envisaged thatany feature of any of the embodiments can be combined with features fromany other embodiment(s), as long as these features are not incompatiblewith each other. It is not intended that the embodiments should be seenas separate from each other, with features that cannot be transferredbetween the embodiments.

In this document terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “top” and “bottom” areused. These refer to the expected orientation in which the sealingdevices will be used, i.e. on a casing that protrudes verticallyupwardly. It is envisaged, however, that devices embodying the presentinvention may be used on casings that extend in any direction, includingat an angle to vertically upwards, but also including horizontally oreven vertically downwards. Terms such as “upper” and “lower” should beconstrued accordingly.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms “comprises” and“comprising” and variations thereof mean that the specified features,steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted toexclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the followingclaims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific formsor in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or amethod or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate,may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised forrealising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

1.-67. (canceled)
 68. A sealing device for sealing a free end of agenerally tubular object, the sealing device comprising: a main bodycomprising either a sleeve which may, when the sealing device is engagedwith the free end of a generally tubular object, surround the free endof the generally tubular object, or a protrusion which may, when thesealing device is engaged with the free end of the generally tubularobject, be inserted into the interior of the free end of the generallytubular object; a grip arrangement which is connected to or supported bythe main body, and positioned to lie against or adjacent a surface ofthe generally tubular object when the sealing device is engaged with thefree end of the generally tubular object, wherein the grip arrangementis radially moveable with respect to a central axis of the main body;and a grip drive arrangement operable to drive the grip arrangementradially with respect to the central axis of the main body, towards thesurface of the generally tubular object.
 69. A sealing device accordingto claim 68, further comprising a seal element which is connected to, orsupported by, the main body, and which is adapted to form a fluid-tightor substantially fluid-tight seal between the main body and a surface ofthe generally tubular object.
 70. A sealing device according to claim 69wherein, in a first configuration, the seal element is relativelyuncompressed and lies at a first radial distance from the central axisof the device, and in a second configuration is relatively compressed,and extends further radially inwardly towards, or further radiallyoutwardly from, the central axis of the device.
 71. A sealing deviceaccording to claim 68, further comprising a tapered deflection surfacewhich is positioned to interact with the grip arrangement, wherein thegrip arrangement and the deflection surface are axially moveablerelative to each other.
 72. A sealing device according to claim 71,wherein the deflection surface comprises a plurality of separate, spacedapart deflection surfaces.
 73. A sealing device according to claim 71,wherein the deflection surface comprises two or more turns of a helicalor substantially helical track, and wherein the grip arrangementcomprises a corresponding helical surface against which the track maybear.
 74. A sealing device according to claim 71 wherein, when thesealing device is engaged with the free end of the generally tubularobject, if a force is exerted on the main body to remove the main bodyfrom the free end of the generally tubular object, the force will tendto move the deflection surface with respect to the grip arrangement sothat the grip arrangement is moved further radially inwardly towards thecentral axis of the main body, if the grip arrangement is positioned tolie against or adjacent the outer surface of the generally tubularobject, or further radially outwardly away from the central axis of themain body, if the grip arrangement is positioned to lie against oradjacent the inner surface of the generally tubular object.
 75. Asealing device according to claim 71, further comprising a holdingarrangement which is operable selectively to prevent axial movement ofthe grip arrangement.
 76. A sealing device according to claim 71,further comprising an adjustable axial limiting arrangement, operable toprevent axial movement of the grip arrangement or of the deflectionsurface beyond an adjustable limit.
 77. A sealing device according toclaim 68, further comprising a retaining arrangement that is operableselectively to hold the grip arrangement at a certain radial distancefrom the central axis of the main body, and prevent the grip arrangementfrom moving radially closer to the central axis of the main body thanthe certain distance, if the grip arrangement is positioned to lieagainst or adjacent the outer surface of the generally tubular object,or to prevent the grip arrangement from moving radially further from thecentral axis of the main body, if the grip arrangement is positioned tolie against or adjacent the inner surface of the generally tubularobject.
 78. A sealing device according to claim 68, comprising twoaxially spaced-apart grip arrangements.
 79. A sealing device accordingto claim 68, wherein the main body has an aperture formed therethrough,to allow fluid or a tool or work string to pass through the main bodyfrom one end thereof to the other.
 80. A sealing device according toclaim 68, wherein the main body has a pressure gauge or valvearrangement extending therethrough, to allow pressure within the to bemonitored from outside the device, or to allow fluid to be pumped intoor removed from the interior of the generally tubular object, andpreferably wherein who pressure gauges or valve arrangements extendthrough the main body.
 81. A sealing device according to claim 68,wherein the main body comprises a protrusion which may be inserted intothe interior of the free end of the generally tubular object, andwherein the grip arrangement is positioned on or around the exterior ofthe protrusion.
 82. A sealing device according to claim 68, for use witha hollow outer casing with an inner casing positioned within the outercasing, wherein the outer casing is the generally tubular object, andwherein the sealing device further comprises a flow diverter to preventfluid within the sealing device from entering the inner casing.
 83. Asealing device according to claim 68, comprising both a sleeve which maysurround the free end of the generally tubular object, and a which maybe inserted into the interior of the free end of the generally tubularobject, wherein the sleeve and the protrusion are spaced apart from eachother.
 84. A sealing device according to claim 68, further comprising astop member, arranged so that, when the sealing device is engaged withthe free end of the generally tubular object, the stop member arrestsrelative motion of the generally tubular object with respect to thesleeve or the protrusion of the sealing device, and when the grip drivearrangement is operated to drive the grip arrangement radially towardsthe surface of the generally tubular object, the stop member allowsfurther relative movement of the generally tubular object with respectto the sleeve or the protrusion of the sealing device.
 85. A sealingdevice according to claim 84, wherein the stop member is a resilientmember, arranged so that, when the sealing device is engaged with afirst level of force with the free end of the generally tubular object,the resilient member arrests relative motion of the generally tubularobject with respect to the sleeve or the protrusion of the sealingdevice, and when the grip drive arrangement is operated to drive thegrip arrangement radially towards the surface of the generally tubularobject, the resilient member deforms to allow further relative movementof the generally tubular object with respect to the sleeve or theprotrusion of the sealing device.
 86. A method of sealing the free endof a generally tubular object, comprising the steps of: providing asealing device according to any preceding claim; engaging the devicewith the free end of the generally tubular object; and activating thegrip drive arrangement to drive the grip arrangement radially withrespect to the main body, and with respect to the central axis of themain body, towards the surface of the generally tubular object.
 87. Amethod according to claim 86, wherein, when the sealing device is fullyengaged with the free end of the generally tubular object, the free endof the generally tubular object contacts a part of the sealing device ata first longitudinal position, and the method further comprises thestep, before activating the grip drive arrangement, of engaging thesealing device with the free end of the generally tubular object so thatthe free end of the generally tubular object is spaced apart from thepart of the sealing device, in a second longitudinal position which isspaced at a distance from the first longitudinal position.